Ralph G. Willoughby

Ralph was an inspiration on the days I had at Ellet class of 72. He will always be a part of my years of learning by his example of what a real kind hearted man is suppose to be.I'm a Pastor now and know that Heavens chior is a bit better sounding these days.

Not only was it a priviledge, but a true blessing to have known Mr. Willoughby. Words have been shared here, in abundance, and they can only touch on what a priceless human being he was. God bless him, and hold his family near at this time.

I grew up with Mr. Willoughby in my life. I first met him when I went to Betty Jane and then Hyre and onto Ellet. My whole family knew him. My dad had a rock-n-roll group called the CAPS and they held a concert at Ellet to raise money for the lights for the football field. I remember while the group was getting ready to go onstage and they were practicing and he was right there with them joking around.

He was always a shinning light in our lives. There wasn't a child or parent...

I'm so sorry to hear about Ralph's passing. My condolences to his family. When you know someone like Ralph you just think they are going to live forever, so full of life and always reaching out to everyone. He made every person he knew feel like he was their best friend and, actually was. I knew Ralph since I was a little boy. My mother worked with him at Betty Jane grade school and then again at Ellet years later. He used to take me and his son Rod fishing (Hi Rod, It's been a long time...

Ellet Class of 1979. It was a pleasure not only to have Mr. Willoughby as a friend and confidant but also as a neighbor, his stepdaughter Lauren(Lori) spent much time around our house as her and my sister were childhood friends. He will be greatly missed and may we all learn to be at peace with each other and with our God as Ralph was.

I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Willoughby. I was so fortunate to have memories of Mr. Willoughby from Betty Jane, Hyre and Ellet! He was one of those unique individuals that touched so many people in ways that will stay with them for a life time. He made every day special for everyone!

Mr. Willoughby was and always will be "Mr. Ellet." I've thought of him often over the years and how he always had fun and a ready smile for every student. I painted the "retired" sign for the coal shovel. Our deepest sympathy to the family. (EHS Class of '70 and '72)

I was one of the lucky, shy, awkward junior high students to be "teased" by Mr. Willoughby. You were embarrassed when he approached but couldn't wait for him to do so and disappointed when he had to go off and do something like be custodian, of all things! To have him hold your hand and serenade you in the middle of the halls of Hyre was just too much. I'll never forget his smile when he would tell me I had "cold hands, warm heart, dirty feet, and runny nose."
In later years Ralph was...

I knew Mr Willoughby from Ellet. I have the warmest memories of him singing, if ever anyone looked as though they were having a bad day he would always find a way to make it brighter. I seen him last at a class reunion, not many like to go to someone elses class reunion. But he came to see all his "kids" I will always remember him fondly. Sharon Parker (Schwennning) class of 1971