Ralph W. BOESE

1921 - 2018

BOESE,
Ralph W.
(Age 96)

Ralph W. Boese was born in Goessel, KS on July 17, 1921 to Abraham and Maria Boese. He died on April 24, 2018. Ralph was 96 years old. At the age of 6, Ralph was orphaned and went to live with his Aunt Anna Schmidt and later with his sister Tillie and her husband George Duerksen. Ralph attended Bethel College in Newton, KS. During the summers while he was in college, Ralph worked in Lind, WA at the Franz Family Farms where he met the love of his life, Viola Franz. Ralph and Viola were wed on June 20, 1950. Ralph and Viola lived and farmed near Bellingham WA. Subsequently, Ralph taught high school in Lind and Ritzville. In 1964, the family moved to Spokane, WA where Ralph continued his teaching career, teaching chemistry at Joel E. Ferris High School until his retirement in 1985. He was also active in the Spokane Education Association even serving as the Association's President in the late 1970s.
Ralph is survived by his lovely wife and best friend, Viola, son Ron (Lourdes), of Redding, CA, daughter Reanette of Spokane, WA, daughter Miriam (Terry) of Rosharon, TX, son David (Jeanne) of Klamath Falls, OR, and son Kenneth (Anne) of Oakland, CA. He also had 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ralph made it a high priority to be involved in the care, nurturing, and encouragement of his children.
Above all else, Ralph enjoyed spending time with his family - visiting his children in their various locales and traveling throughout the world. Ralph also served generously in both Manito Methodist Church in Spokane and the Menno Mennonite Church in Ritzville. Ralph will be remembered for his kindness, deep curiosity about the world, and generosity of spirit.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 6, at 3 pm at Rockwood South Hill Event Center, 2903 E. 25th Ave., Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph's name may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee.