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Ralph Robert Webster

Ralph Webster Obituary

Ralph Robert Webster Portage/Gull Lake Passed away September 20, 2008 at Borgess Hospital surrounded by family and friends. Ralph was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on February 17, 1937, the son of Percy "Pete" and Parnell (Woodmansee) Webster. He was employed for forty years at PreCast/PreCon Schokbeton in Kalamazoo, first in Engineering, later as Chief Estimator and then Purchasing Manager, retiring in 2000. Ralph served in the Air National Guard from 1959-1965. In the late 50s/early 60s, he was involved with supermodified racecars, first with the Automotive Engineering Club of Battle Creek and later as a co-owner of a supermodified with his father and brother. Ralph was an active member of First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, where he enjoyed serving as House Committee Chair. A community leader, Ralph was a member and officer of Portage Suburban Kiwanis and Sterling Oaks Condominium Board. Generous of time and spirit, Ralph had been an active volunteer for Boy Scouts, Special Days Camps, and First Baptist Youth Camp where he was best known as "Dudley." In his retirement, he enjoyed Senior Bowling League and traveling, especially traveling abroad with friends. Ralph most enjoyed sharing time, stories, and jokes with family and friends - especially his five grandsons. He loved Gull Lake where he spent his youth and many recent summers. He was preceded in death by both parents and a brother, Jack Webster. He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Suzanne (Douglas) Webster; children, Timothy (Christine) Webster and Thomas (Mary Kate) Webster of Kalamazoo and Tamara Webster of Lawton; and beloved grandsons, Finn, Ulee, Ira, Ian, and Elias Webster. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, reception following. A private interment will take place at Yorkville Cemetery. The generosity of donor blood greatly improved the last months of Ralph's life. The family thanks blood donors and encourages all who can to donate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo or the MDS Foundation.

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Sep. 23, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Webster

17 Entries

Dick and Kay Weakley

September 30, 2008

Sue: We shall miss Ralph at Soup Kitchen. Even when he did not feel well he was there and at church service on Sundays. Always with a smile. He did so much keeping the Church Building in good repair. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lynne Willoughby (Royer)

September 29, 2008

Webster family~ May your memories bring you peace at this difficult time. When mom and dad called i was brought back to thoughts of Burrwood~ my first memories of learning to swim were with Mr. Webster-that must have taken patience! Then at camp (Special Days) as "Dudley", working with the teen campers~ that must have taken even MORE patience!

Greg Lewis

September 26, 2008

Mrs. Webster, Tim, Tom and Tammy
I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure everyone who knew Ralph will miss him terribly. We will be thinking of you all during this tough time.
I will be remembering Ralph for his enduring sardonic humor and the kindness I always received from him.
Love Greg

Kenlynn & Tom Miller

September 26, 2008

Sue: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the time of sorrow. Ralph was a great neighbor and always made us laugh with his good humor even when he wasn't doing too well. We will miss him greatly; it won't seem normal to look out and not see him strolling around the neighborhood! Let us know of any way that we can be of help here. God be with you. Tom and Kenny Miller

Pam Royer Pusateri

September 26, 2008

Dear Webster Family,
Our thoughts are with you. Dudley brought so much love to the Special Days Family and could always make me smile.

Ruth & Bill Burrows

September 25, 2008

Dear Sue and family, We were so sorry to learn of Ralph's passing. We knew that he had been very ill and wish we had been able to visit him while in Michigan in July. We have some great memories to reflect on. Please know that we are thinking of you and pray for God's comforting love. Love, Ruth & Bill

Kevin Rabineau

September 25, 2008

Tom,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The obituary told the story of a fine man, and a good citizen. May God bless him.

Terry and Linda Fraser

September 25, 2008

Terry and Linda Fraser With love and prayers for all of you dear ones. (Colorado Springs, CO)

Jean James

September 24, 2008

Sue, my Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. Time does make it easier and with lots of memories it will help to ease the pain. It's sad to lose those who are dear to all of us. There is comfort in remembering all the times they made such a difference in our lives. Love Jean

Rick Meints

September 24, 2008

To Mrs. Webster, Tim, Tom, and Tammy:

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Having grown up with Tom, I saw first hand, many times, the loving, generous, and fun loving "Man of Style" in action. I smile when I picture him looking over the glasses perched towards the end of his nose as he wondered what Tom and I were up to as we headed down into the basement. So many happy memories. I am honored and blessed to have known him.

George & Carole Royer

September 24, 2008

Sue: You and your family are very special to us. We first met way back on Burrwood and our friendship has lasted all these years. You and Dudley were such a treasured part of Special Days Camps. Our love and prayers.

Diane Kuchenbuch-Dalm

September 23, 2008

I was raised a few doors from Ralph's childhood home. I remember Ralph with his dad and brother working on the race car. They'd work late into the night and spend the weekends at the races. Sometimes returning with a wrecked car that they would put back together. It was nice having Ralph and his family return to the lake again and occasionally seeing them. He will be missed by many.

Ken Tolf

September 23, 2008

Sue and family, I lost one of my best friends ever.

September 23, 2008

Tom & family,
What a difficult time when we loose those we love. Reading about your dad made me smile. You, too, must smile when you review the wonderful memories you have. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Debbie Paul

September 23, 2008

Tom,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I am very sorry for your loss.

Holly McKee

September 23, 2008

Tom and family -

I am sorry for your loss. What a great and generous father you had. I enjoyed reading of his life. I will pray for your family as you grieve.

Lois Masters

September 23, 2008

Tom, my heart goes out to you and your family. My prayers are with you.

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