Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Ralph Underhill Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Underhill
Dennis Ignet
December 1, 2012
Thank Mr. Underhill for thoses great years at wright state. You will always
be the all tim e great coach.
Dan Huguely
November 12, 2011
Miss you coach!!! God's speed!!!
Laurel & Steve Booher
October 29, 2011
I met you, Melinda, when I was a WSU student. I'm not sure of the year, but we were both working in the Bursar's office. (1971? maybe). I met my husband --of now 37 1/2 years---at a WSU basketball game. We had season passes for years. We enjoyed watching your dad do a terrific job of coaching. Please accept our sympathy. He was a great coach.
October 19, 2011
Melinda and family
I am saddened to hear of your losses.Its been a long time since I have talked to you, miss you and take care.
Paula Baker Deaton St Louis, Missouri
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
October 14, 2011
Melinda and Kim, So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was truly one of the good guys. God bless you and your family. Buster
Delme Herriman
September 30, 2011
I wish to send my prayers out to Coach Underhill and his family, it is really sad to hear of his passing. He taught me what it takes to be a winner and he guided us to WSU's first ever NCAA D1 bid. Thanks for the memories coach
Kathleen Schorno
September 20, 2011
Kim and Melinda, I am so sad to hear the news of your Dad passing away. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. You'll always have the good memories with your Dad and who he was to so many. Although I never met him,I can see that he's left a great legacy. He was loved by many and will be missed.
Beth Linton
September 19, 2011
Kim & Melinda:
I spoke briefly with Melinda before the viewing and told her that I was a freshman at WSU and it was your dad's 1st year coaching. He truly catapulted WSU athletics into the future with both the NCAA Div II championship and enabling the program to jump to Division I later on. WSU athletics has Ralph Underhill to thank for a great many things. God bless you both as you mourn the loss of a great man, coach, and father. Beth (Powell) Linton, Class of 1982
Tom Runion
September 19, 2011
Dear Melinda & Kim,
Thanks for the invite to your house to watch Ralph's life biography. We truly loved the film and were happy to see Ralph in action again. Tom has been friends with Ralph his whole life but I only got to know him 13 yrs ago when I moved to Ky. We stayed very close and good friends enjoying each others company. Too bad Ralph went so soon. We will miss him.
Love Shalene Nayar & Tom Runion
doyle brashear
September 15, 2011
I am very sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to visit Ralph about a month ago. He will be truly missed.
jennie
September 14, 2011
my heartfelt sympathy goes out to all who knew Coach Underhill,he was a great coach,and though i didn't know him personally,if the chance came along i would have been happy to meet him,may you all truly receive the peace,healing and comfort that you all deserve now,Thank you Coach for all you did in your life and for WSU!!!You will be dearly missed,yet never forgotten!!!
Jill Erisman
September 14, 2011
I'm saddened to hear of Coach Underhill's passing. He was truly a great coach at WSU. I always enjoyed going to the Men's Basketball games with my father, Lester Newman. My heart and thoughts go out to the Underhill Family and Friends.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
September 14, 2011
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE UNDERHILL FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS,&ALL WHO KNEW COACH UNDERHILL.
Debbie Taylor
September 14, 2011
Kim and Melinda, My thoughts are with you today as again, you take that long journey to send a parent to heaven. It's hard to believe we have been friends for over 40 years! What fun we all had. Your Dad is now in a peaceful and loving place and is happy. I love you both.
Nicole Connors
September 14, 2011
My sympathies and prayers to Coach Underhill's family. I enjoyed many watching many games sitting behind the bench during my time at WSU from 88-93, especially when we went to the Big Dance!
Bill Edwards Sr.
September 13, 2011
It saddened my heart to hear Coach Underhill had passed. As a member of 1st team that made it to the NCAA Div 1 tournament led by Coach Underhill , I enjoyed my fours years @ WSU. He helped me along the way to have a great career @ WSU as well as becoming the All-time leading scorer & rebounder. My condolences go out to his family members. Thank you coach for the role you played in my life throughout my college years.
James Uphoff, Ed.D.
September 13, 2011
As a member of the faculty committee that recommended that WSU should have intercollegiate athletics and a member of the first Athletic Council, I have always been proud to have had Ralph as our Coach for many years. He cared about his players as people, as students, and as athletes. His contributions to WSU were many!!!
Terry Bogan
September 13, 2011
Coach Ralph Underhill is Wright State Basketball. The Nutter Center is The House That Ralph Built!! Even though our Coach is gone, his legacy will live on forever. My condolences go out to the Underhill family.
sharon bennett
September 13, 2011
i met ralph at open door community church in erlanger. what a wonderful man he was. i joked with him about his after shave. when we saw each other at church we would say hello and hug. i told him i woud smell like him all day. he would smile and just laugh. i will miss him a lot. he was an encouraging man and kept fighting for life. may god bless his family. he is with jesus now.
Buddy Shrewsbury
September 12, 2011
This was my high school coach at Ohio County, Kentucky. He was a great role model for me. I got into high school coaching because of him. We were very successful at Ohio County under his leadership (State Runner-up in 1969). He was very demanding but you respected every decision. He touched many lives here.
David James
September 12, 2011
Ralph Underhill was as much a part of Wright State as the 4 original buildings that frame the WSU quad. Basketball helped Wright State establish an identity during its early years, and Ralph was the one who built the basketball program from the ground floor. I am sad of his passing, but memories and gratitude for his contributions will live on.
September 12, 2011
Kim and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. You and I know he's in a better place. My friend, you are in my prayers.
Love you,
Beth Wells
Patricia Tallman
September 12, 2011
RIP Ralph we were blessed knowing you. Your friendly smile and warm greeting. You are missed. What an awesome coach Wright State Univ. had in you.......many victories put Wright State on the map thanks to your coaching. Condolences to Ralphs family and friends.
September 12, 2011
Ralph was a class individual who touched many lives.
May he rest in peace. Dick Maile Covington Catholic HS class of 1961
Margaret Clary
September 12, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ralphs family I know he loved them very much and always talked about them and was so proud to be a grandfather.
I had the pleaseure of meeting and working with Ralph when he coached the Cincinnati Stuff basketball team. He was a great coach and one the nicest men you could ever meet.
Shawn & Jack Kerns
September 12, 2011
Ralph was a kind hearted man. Jack and I knew him from the Florence Elks Lodge.
He was always smiling and talking not letting his illness take over his life. Truly a inspiration. Our deepest sympthy to his family and friends.
James K. Uphoff, Ed.D.
September 12, 2011
I have been with WSU "since dirt" and am now in my 45th year. I was on the faculty committee that studied whether or not we should have intercollegiate athletics at WSU. I was so proud to have Ralph as our coach all those years. He helped us grow and mature as an institution. His legacy to WSU is much appreciated!
Peggy & Ed Hansen
September 11, 2011
Ralph was truly "a man's man". He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to be said. He will be missed very much by all of his friends at the Florence, KY Elks Lodge #314. May God embrace him.
Jo Jamieson-Hall
September 11, 2011
To Melinda & Kim,
Your Father was a very special man, a good friend and a Great Coach! As a fellow Wright Stater and past Athletic Council member, I had the good fortune to call him friend. All who knew him came to Love him. Goodby my friend..
May God hold you in his hands.
September 11, 2011
Florence Elks are saddened to loose a dear freind. His memory will live on and dearly missed. Jesse Shipp, President
WSU Retirees Assn.
September 11, 2011
The WSU Retirees Association wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to your family at the loss of your father and grandfather. Many of our members became WSU fans during his tenure and we remember his passion and competency as a coach with great fondness. We watched him fight his final battle with great dignity and mourn with you at his passing.
Sue and Dave Berbert
September 11, 2011
Kim and Melinda,
We are so saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. Our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all. May he rest in peace.
Sue and I had many good memories with him at WSU. We will never forget them. His success at WSU when he won the Division II basketball championship, provided us and Daisy with a lifetime memory of very happy times. We feel blessed to have experienced them.
He was a good and kind person.
Gerald Schroader
September 11, 2011
Coach Underhill taught me more than basketball, as a young boy, as I tried to play to his standards, at Ohio County,Ky, in the mid 60's.
Sorry for your loss . . .
Keep the Faith . . .
September 11, 2011
Our deepest condolences to Valerie & Ralph's family...we met him through the Elks & was very glad to have counted him as a friend...may God bless his soul...
Dieter & Mary Ann Schildmeyer
Kim Scott
September 10, 2011
My sister and I were basketball cheerleaders at Wright State in the late 70's and early 80's. I remember Coach Underhill as a class act who brought out the best in his players. He treated the cheerleaders not as entertainment, but as an important part of the program. He believed that we were there to help channel the energy of the crowd into a common voice that boosted the players. We were always proud of his behavior, and the success of his teams was just icing on the cake. For many of us, Ralph Underhill was what was right about Wright State. He's gone too soon, but what a legacy he left us all.
Bill Allen
September 10, 2011
Kim & Melinda,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Ralph. He was a great man and neighbor. We would love to see you both. You both are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Billy & Dodie Allen
lucio tewolde
September 10, 2011
thanks for the great job and the golden memories that will stay with us as Wright States' fans,and heartfelt condolences to the family,RIP.
Anita Finnell
September 10, 2011
Dear Kim,
I am so sorry you have to go through the loss of another loved parent. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you find moments of peace and fond memories to help you through this hard time.
Love, Anita
Don Thyer
September 10, 2011
Melinda,
I'm so sorry to learn of your father's passing.
We worked together in the 80's.
It was a place where smoking was not permitted by the owner.
I asked you to go out with me some evening to dance BEFORE I found out you had a boyfriend. I was so embarrased. I quickly said OOPS, I made a misstake. I forget, but I think he also worked at the same place.
On the phone you went by "Mindy Hill"
I went by Don "Wright".
The company is no longer in business.
Don Thyer
Helen McKeown
September 10, 2011
At WKU, the Underhill family lived at 1541 Chestnut and upstairs lived Carolyn (Duncan) Ridenour, Cheryl (Cavender) Lacefield and Helen (Allen) McKeown. After that Ohio County was benefited so much by Ralph being the first coach at Ohio County High School, their first home was on Carson Street. Then in Hixson, the night our second son, Adam, was born, we took our 5 year old son, Cary, to spend the night with the Underhill family at their duplex. Ralph was a gentleman, a positive role model for those around him. Condolences to the family and always good memories.
Becky Alejandrino
September 9, 2011
Kim, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dewayne kinder
September 9, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
joe brown
September 9, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Jeff Dillon
September 9, 2011
Dear Kim and Melinda,
Your Dad was so much more than a basketball coach,he was a life coach.I learned so much from him that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. He gave me the passion to get into coaching and I carry his teachings with me in every game I coach.My Family was blessed to know him and my life was greatly enriched for having him as a part of it.
Our Deepest Sympathies,
Jeff and Carolyn Dillon
Becky Sommer
September 9, 2011
I knew Ralph from working at WSU for 30 years and I can say with certainty that there was no one like Ralph. I use to say that even if we lost I was sure Ralph would be the best dressed person there. I am sad that he didn't get to live longer but am sure he knew how much WSU and his family and friends loved him. My prayers for your family.
Becky Sommer
Brad Whitehead
September 9, 2011
To The Entire Underhill Family,I had a card with a stamp on it ready to send to Coach and I failed to do it on time. I'm so sorry. I had the greatest sports thrill of my life playing for him at Ohio Co. High School in Kentucky in 1969. We made it to that great state's championship game. I was there in Owensboro in 1983 when he beat Ky. Wesleyan and went on to win the Div. II championship. I was there in 1995 when WSU almost beat UK in Rupp arena. Both times he came and talked to me and my children after the game. What little coaching I did at the high school and middle school level I completely patterned my style after him. 1-2-1-1 full court press and get the rebound and run. What a great Coach and Man.
September 9, 2011
To the Underhill family, I was deeply saddened to learn of Ralph's passing and know you will find comfort in your memories of him. Coach was a wonderful father figure to his players and taught us more about life than about basketball. It was an honor to be a part of his teams and an honor to be his friend. My family and I will keep you in our prayers. Eric Ernst and Family
Jamie Blalock
September 9, 2011
Melinda,
I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad, I know how much you adored him. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Jamie
Mike Sakal
September 9, 2011
Hi Melinda and Underhill family -
I was sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He definitely transformed Wright State's basketball program into a contender and even though he's been gone from that program for a number of years, I'm sure he's still missed. I hope you're all doing OK. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. With sympathy, Mike Sakal, Phoenix, Arizona.
ANTHONY ZAHARIEFF
September 9, 2011
WE ARE ALL DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE NEWS OF RALPH'S PASSING. HIS SUCCESSFUL COACHING CAREER WAS COMPARABLE TO THAT ACHIEVED BY ONLY A FEW OTHERS. MORE IMPORTANTLY, HE WAS A MENTOR, TEACHER AND FRIEND TO SO MANY YOUNG MEN DURING THEIR FORMATIVE AND MATURING YEARS AND MOTIVATED THEM TO SET FOR THEMSELVES HIGH STANDARDS OF ACHIEVEMENT, BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY. MY FAMILY AND I, LIKE SO MANY OTHERS, CONSIDERED HIM A FRIEND AND WE WILL ALL FOREVER MISS HIS TOWERING PRESENCE, SPIRIT AND SMILE. TONY ZAHARIEFF & FAMILY
September 9, 2011
To the Undrhill Family and Friends:
Coach Ralph Underhill's void in the Dayton community (and nation) will be seriously missed. I am saddned with the news because talking with Jim Brown and Melinda it seemed that he was on the path to recovery.
Please be strong and know that he is in a better place. Coach Underhill has made a positive impact on my life as well as the lives of many others!
I will be seeing you next week. Know that I am here for you if there is anything that you need.
Love, Peace and Blessings
Tyree L. Fields
[email protected]
937.223.5506
Peggy Yingling Stewart
September 9, 2011
Another sad loss for all Raiders. As a former women's team player during the Underhill years, I was able to watch him make men out of boys. Here is to hoping both Coach Underhill and Coach Ehler are resting in peace. Prayers to the Underhill family.
Gail Phillips
September 9, 2011
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I worked at WSU when he was coaching. He was a great and fun person! Rest in peace Ralph.
Melva Toll
September 9, 2011
Melinda,Kim and family Our condolences...I lost contact with your dad for years. He was in my heart and sons always. Such an outstanding man, father and coach. He'll be missed deeply. May God be with you
Beth Wood
September 8, 2011
Kim, my sweet, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was one of a kind. I remember so many things about our childhood, and your dad was a part of many of them. Love to Melinda also. Wish I could be there next week, but you just live too darn far away. Love ya girl.
Bradley Gray
September 8, 2011
My condolences to the Underhill family. RIP, Coach.
(WSU Class of 1993)
Keri
September 8, 2011
Melinda -
I haven't seen you or your family in many years but carry memories of the way your dad listened to you when you spoke, laughed at your jokes and silliness and smiled when he saw you. He was certainly a great coach, and a fine man, but I saw first hand how much he loved you. You and your family are in my prayers. Hold fast to your memories and know that you are loved.
Kris Klopf
September 8, 2011
Melinda and family I am so sorry about your loss. May God be with you.
Ed Harris
September 8, 2011
Many years ago, I wrote an article about Ralph for "Dayton Magazine." He was a great guy, great interview and had a heart as big as the Nutter Center.
RIP Ralph.
Chris Allen
September 8, 2011
Kim,Melinda & Family-
So Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Even though it has been a long time ago,I do remember your dad when he was a coach at Ohio County High School. In my opinion, Ralph was the best coach Ohio County ever had. More importantly, he was a great teacher and role model for many players and people who had the privilege to be in his presence. May God comfort you today and in the days to come.
Chris allen-childhood friend & Former Neighbor-Iron Mountain Road
Hartford,KY
Scott
September 8, 2011
I went to Wright State games at the P.E. building because of Coach Underhill..I will miss him..my prayer's go out to the family.
Gary Hiles
September 8, 2011
It was an honor to know Coach Underhill. He was the prime example of how all coaches should be. He had a genuine care for his players and was interested in them for more than basketball.
In my conversations with Coach it was clear to me that he possessed a great faith in God and just did the best he could each day.
Coach Underhill's presence was felt not only by the Wright State University Family but all of us who live in Southwestern Ohio.
We will miss him but know we will see him again some day.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all of his many friends.
Terrence Wintrow
September 8, 2011
The you Ralph for the great Years. It was always fun and exciting to attend Wright State games when you were coaching!
Brad & Erin Klingler
September 8, 2011
Words cannot express the sorrow and loss we all feel. Ralph was a leader, teacher and a man that inspired many people-not just his ball players. He brought WSU to a new level and demanded greatness from everyone! What wonderful memories we all have of him! God Bless You and know that WSU has a new angel watching over them!
Gary Bates
September 8, 2011
Ralph and I played basketball together 50 + years ago at Erlanger Lloyd high School. We had not been close since HS, but I enjoyed talking with him at our 50th reunion.. He was a great BB coach. I extend my sympathy and prayers to his daughters and their faamilies.
Gary Bates
Tom Holzapfel
September 8, 2011
Kim $ Melinda, What a great man your father was. There are so many memories and life lessons that I have carried with me since playing for him. He has touched many lives. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Patrick Suarez
September 8, 2011
Ralph was a terrific guy, always warm and friendly to my wife and me. He put the Raiders on the map, something that will always be his legacy. We'll miss him.
Gordie Wise
September 8, 2011
Ralph Underhill was a legend even before he left WSU, and that legendary status will only grow. He really put Wright State 'on the map' of college basketball. What a dedicated, colorful, successful coach! He was an absolute JOY to be around. I was privileged to be on the Athletic Council which hired him and at the table throughout his amazing career. I never knew better! I guess I saw greatness coming way back when he was a 27 year old Kentucky high school coach and I got to watch him come within one win of taking a bunch of country kids to the state championship. God bless Ralph's family. We all owe him so much for the nonstop memories that played such a part in Raider Roundball. Thanks, Ralph!
Cathy Jefferson
September 8, 2011
Ralph was a true gentleman. I enjoyed my years working with him and watching him coach. My condolences to the family.
September 8, 2011
Kim & Melinda,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. He loved you both so much and he was such a good friend to us, and absolutely the best coach ever!!
Don & Candy Prystaloski
Gary Stich
September 8, 2011
Melinda, I just got a mail from a dedicted fan of your dads from Chattanooga. Mom was also a diabetic and went through the same thing. She also had her leg ambutated before she passed away.
Our Prayers and thoughts are with you during these hard times.
Gary Stich & Family
UTC Basketball Team
NCAA Division II Champion 1977
Coach:Ralph Underhill
PS: Thanks to the help from your dad I was able to play basketball in Europe and Switzerland since then.
Thanks Ralph
Bill Wilson
September 8, 2011
My deepest condolensces and prayers to the Underhill family. Ralph was my best coach and some things I learned from him were applied to my adult life which has been very fortunate and blessed. He touched a lot of souls and was a molder of men.
Flyer Fan
September 8, 2011
My condolences to the Underhill and Wright State families for your loss.
Laura Thomas
September 8, 2011
Melinda, I am sorry for the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers goes out to you and your family while you go through this difficult time. I remember your dad from when my parents worked at Wright State. May the memories of your dad comfort you.
Steven Shade
September 8, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear this. Ralph was one of the best masterminds as a coach in the business. He'll ALWAYS be our beloved coach. I saw the 1st game he had with us through his last. Ralph, you've earned your place in heaven.
Stacy Gear
September 8, 2011
Melinda, I just saw the newspaper article regarding your Dad, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers ~ Stacy
Katea Hammond
September 8, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Underhill family.
Showing 1 - 77 of 77 results
Make a Donation
in Ralph Underhill's name
Memorial Events
for Ralph Underhill
How to support Ralph's loved ones
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
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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
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 moreWays to honor Ralph Underhill's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
