Ralph Hepworth Anderton

Ralph Hepworth Anderton, 68, of Colonial Heights, Va., passed on Thursday, August 14, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. He passed peacefully at home surrounded with family. Ralph was born February 9, 1940, in Chepachet, R.I. He was one of five sons to Agnes Parker and Wilford Anderton who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, best friend and soul mate of 26 years, Donna L. Anderton, of Roanoke; two sons, Eric C. and Shawn W. Anderton, both of Colonial Heights, Va.; two stepchildren, Ami M. Sowers and her husband. William. of Bedford, Va., and John P. Waldron and his wife, Dorie, of Vinton, Va.; eight grandchildren; four brothers and their wives, Paul and Evelyn Anderton, of Chepachet, R.I., Arnold and Mavis Anderton, of Cranston, R.I., Carl and Pat Anderton, of Stow, Maine, and Roy and Joanne Anderton, of Chepachet, R.I.; and six nieces and nephews. Ralph held an undergraduate degree from University of New Hampshire, in Durham, N.H., and received a masters degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va. His career in Rehab Counseling was spent working for the State of Virginia, private rehab, and several programs with TAP making a tremendous contribution to many lives. Ralph loved to spend his time cooking, reading, traveling and enjoying his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather with a deep love, sense humor and words of guidance at all times for his family and friends. He will be missed greatly as he leaves a great impact on so many lives and footprints across so many hearts. A memorial service will be held noon on Saturday, August 30, 2008, in Faith Chapel at First Baptist Church in Roanoke, Va., with Dr. Bill Ashford officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made on Ralph's behalf to First Baptist Church, 515 Third Street, Roanoke, Va. 24016 or to the American Cancer Society.