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December 4, 1929 - May 5, 2018 Ralph Mills Woodworth passed away peacefully in San Diego on May 5, 2018. Born in Milwaukee, WI, he was the only child of Ralph C. & Violet K. Woodworth. Ralph spent his youth in Wisconsin before moving to Rochester, N.Y., to attend the University of Rochester where he received his undergraduate degree in Finance. He was also a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He went on to attend Cornell University where he received his graduate degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. He met his wife Bettye Gray, shortly after. They married, moved to Germany while Ralph served in the U.S. Army. They returned to the U.S. where they lead a very storied personal and professional life. Ralph managed many five-star luxury hotels & restaurants–from the Santa Barbara Biltmore Hotel, Clift & Plaza Hotels in San Francisco to the Bel Air Sands Hotel & Bel Age Hotel in Los Angeles. He was Vice President of MCA's Recreational Services which included food operations at Universal City Studios Tour & Commissary, Yosemite National Park & Mt. Vernon. He saved the best for last, taking over LA's famed Chasen's Restaurant, known for its world renowned chili and hosting Academy Awards parties. There he rubbed elbows with famous guests including Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball, Robert Wagner, Frank Sinatra and President Ronald Reagan. Ralph had the honor of assisting Nancy Reagan plan President Ronald Reagan's 85th birthday party at Chasen's, where he and Bettye were also guests. Ralph was a member of several community organizations which included Palm Desert & Westwood Village Rotary Clubs where he served as President from 1996-1997, Bel Air & Palm Desert Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon & Elder. Ralph always had a twinkle in his sparkly blue eyes, a smile that would melt your heart & was a great storyteller. He was kind, caring, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather & friend. He loved to entertain both at home & in his place of business. Friends always enjoyed the great parties that he and Bettye hosted on New Year's Day. We will miss you dad but you will always remain in our hearts. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents & wife Bettye of 63 years. He is survived by his daughter Heidi Brenchley, son Scott Woodworth (Jane) and grandchildren Christopher & Harper. Services to be held at Miramar National Cemetery July 6 at 10:30 AM.
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2 Entries
I loved your DAD!! He was the sharpest executive I have ever met! He was a bundle of fun and very mischievous. !!!! It was my 33rd Birthday and of course I was quiet about it but not Ralph.. He bought stickers that said 33 on them and made everyone wear them from the waitresses to the front desk people!!!! He was charming handsome man. THIS WORLD NEEDS A LOT MORE RALPH WOODWORTHS!!!!!
May 23, 2018
What a loss to all of us! Loved your dad and all of the interesting stories about his life and his youth. He was the unofficial family historian. We loved spending time with him and your lovely mom. He will be missed by my mother as well as all of us! Our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and hearts are with you.
Kathy Schulz
May 21, 2018
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