Ralph was born on September 22, 1924, in Tomhicken, PA, one of six children born to Stephen M. Bellas and Irene E. (Shimko) Bellas. Ralph served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Europe (1944-1946). He then earned a Bachelor's Degree in English from The Catholic University of America, where he met Louise Stork. They married in 1949. He then earned a Master's Degree in English at the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in English at the University of Kansas. While completing his dissertation, Ralph taught at Villanova University. In 1965, he became an Assistant Professor of English at Illinois State University, and he and Louise moved their family of six children to Normal, IL.

While at I.S.U., Ralph taught and published in the areas of writing and literature. He also led student exchange programs to England and Japan. Ralph retired from I.S.U. in 1979, as a Professor Emeritus of English. During retirement, Ralph and Louise served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Fiji. They were avid world travelers and enjoyed visiting their children around the country. In addition to reading and writing prose and poetry, Ralph enjoyed tennis, running, sailing and photography. Ralph remained curious throughout his life, and found fulfillment in engaging with people from different cultures and all walks of life.

Ralph was predeceased by Louise, his wife of 72 years, and five siblings. He is survived by six children: Christine Bellas (Quinn Loucks) of Mercer Island, WA, Ralph Bellas, Jr. (Connie) of rural Stanford, IL, Marcia Bellas (Rick West) of Worcester, VT, Gregory Bellas (Kirsten Setterholm) of Berkeley, CA, Kimberly Bellas (Benoit Nault) of Tucson, AZ, and Laurence Bellas (Susan) of Erie, CO; six grandchildren: Nathan Giles, Ryan Giles, Eric Bellas (Angie) of Bloomington, IL, Adam Bellas (Katie) and Justin Bellas (Cassie) of rural Stanford, IL, and Maiya Loucks (Casey Madayag) of Lynnwood, WA; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

Donations in Ralph's memory may be made to the Ralph and Louise Bellas Scholarship Fund to support students in international nursing exchanges. Checks made payable to I.S.U. Foundation (with Fund #581-6009 in memo line) can be sent to Mennonite College of Nursing/Illinois State University, University Advancement, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL, 61790-8000.

Ralph's memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at St. Patrick Church of Merna. There will be no visitation. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Pantagraph on Aug. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Bellas

Sponsored by Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home.

4 Entries

Donna Lynn Rhodes

November 9, 2023

Thank you Dr. B. for changing my life. Rest in Peace. XO

Richard Drexler

August 14, 2023

My condolences. I recognized the name because I went to school with daughter Marcia.

Gwen Edwards ( Bob Edwards)

August 14, 2023

Louise, I have fond memories of your days at the Library Book Club, and living in North Pointe too. What a lovely, long life you had together. Hard to part, I know. Gwen Edwards

Kay Wilson

August 8, 2023

Dear Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ralph missed Louise so much and we understood that since they were married for 72 years. Together they were very active even into advanced age. Ralph himself was an amazing friend who could carry on a delightful conversation even at age 98. I know that no words can ease your pain but I hope that your memories of him being a father and grandfather will help to comfort you. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." -(A headstone in Ireland)
With sincere sympathy.
Kay Wilson