Ralph Yerby Obituary
He was born December 2, 1937 in Peoria to the late Ralph and Louise Painter Yerby. He was first married to Carole Stafford; he later married Phyllis Speidel Johnson, and they recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his daughters, Denise Riggio and Lisa Grant; son, Steven Johnson; grandchildren, Bryan (Jen) Kirkham, Matt (Breanna) Kirkham, Sam Grant, Lilith Yerby, Sydney Grant, Peter Grant, and Andrew Johnson; great-grandchildren, Jordan and Kali Kirkham; Nora, Reagan, and Olivia Kirkham; sister, Dr. Corliss O'Bryan; brother-in-law, Phillip (Jennifer) Speidel; nieces and nephews, Dr. Gerald O'Bryan, Dee O'Bryan, Brynna (Roy) Barnica, Rachael (Will) Taylor, Ross Speidel, and Laurie (Allen) Brewer; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sons, Blake and Eric; great-grandchild, Judah Kirkham; siblings, Ray (Mary) Yerby and Ruth (Travice) Warren; son-in-law, Mark Riggio; and daughter-in-law, Edna Johnson.
Ralph retired from Cast Technologies after 44 years, starting with the company when it was known as Brass Foundry. Ralph was active and vibrant throughout his life. He got to enjoy much travel, whether it was his winters in Florida or enjoying the many trips and cruises he and Phyllis shared with Ken and Donna Bradshaw. Ralph loved golf, and even scoring five holes-in-one. He played in the men's golf league and senior golf league at Fondulac Park District and also bowled in a league at Sunset Lanes. When he wasn't on the course, he was often enjoying his favorite drink at Starbucks or meticulously cleaning a car.
Ralph was a longtime member of First Federated Church in Peoria, where a memorial service will be held at 10:30am Tuesday, May 20, 2025, with Pastor Ed Wegele officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7:00pm Monday, May 19, 2025 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or First Federated Church.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ralph D. Yerby, Jr., please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
2075 Washington Road, Washington, IL 61571
Make a Donation
in Ralph Yerby's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
People and places connected with Ralph
Recent Obituaries
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 Yerby'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
Sponsored anonymously