Search by Name

Search by Name

Ralph Anderton Obituary

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Aug. 22 to Aug. 29, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Anderton

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Ralph Anderton's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Ralph Anderton

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Ralph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ralph Anderton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more