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Ralph Koonce Obituary
WASHINGTON - Ralph T. Koonce, 93, of Washington passed away Monday, May 12, 2014, at his home, with his family at his side.
Ralph was born on May 18, 1920, in Mounds, Ill., to Edgar and Christina Beaver Koonce. He married Winifred L. "Winnie" Butler on June 6, 1945, in Bylthesville, Ark. After 64 years of a loving marriage, Winnie preceded him in death on April 14, 2009.
Ralph's surviving family members include two daughters, Irma Lee (Charles) Robbins and Ruth Ann (Don) Conley, and a daughter-in-law, Sharon Koonce, all of Washington. Ralph was blessed with eight grandchildren, Bill (Stacy) Koonce, Tony Robbins, Melissa Conley, Angie (Andy) McGrath, Jenny Koonce, Susan (Alonzo) Williams, Jeremy (Sam) Robbins and Chris Koonce. He not only treasured and enjoyed spending time with his eight grandchildren, but was able to enjoy having 16 great-grandchildren as well. He is also survived by one sister, Dorothy Davis of Beloit, Wis.
Ralph was preceded in death by one son, Ralph (Butch) Koonce on Sept. 25, 2012; two brothers, Harry and Charles Koonce; and four sisters, Lena Voigt, Hazel Robertson, Helen Mode and Mary Arbon.
Ralph spent a lifetime being a devoted and caring husband, father and true friend to many community members.
Ralph had worked at Caterpillar for 33 years when he retired in 1980. He spent many years as a general contractor, building homes in his community and helping community members whenever the need arose.
He spent his lifetime helping friends and family and will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of getting to meet him.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 16, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington, with Pastor Jim Gorby officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memory Gardens, south of Washington. Visitation will be today from 4 to 8 p.m., and one hour prior to services on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to either Northern Tazewell Fire and Rescue or the Susan Komen Foundation.
Condolences may be made at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Koonce
Pat Gaunt
May 15, 2014
Jeremy & Family,
So sorry to hear about your Grandpa. Thinking about you during this difficult time.
Marilyn Monroe
May 15, 2014
My condolences to the family. May his memories remain in your hearts forever.
May 14, 2014
So sorry for the loss to your family, Ralph was a very nice man, I have known him forever. Lee Ann Arias
Cherie fugitt
May 14, 2014
So very sorry for your loss. Ralph was a great man and will be missed by all. Many prayers and love to all.
Sue Rodgers Parkman
May 14, 2014
So thankful we got to spend some time with Ralph last year. He was so happy to see us and the feelings were mutual. His mother was my mothers aunt and she had a heart of gold. I loved her so much and her children too. So glad we got to spend some time visiting with Ralph. His tomatoes are delicious too. Thank you cousins for your many kindnesses through the year. We love you all. Sue Rodgers Parkman
May 14, 2014
Melissa - My thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Diane Burroughs
Susan Gillick
May 14, 2014
Irma and family, our sympathies are with you with the loss of your Dad. He was always a great neighbor all those years ago!
love and prayers,
Sue and Bob and family
Debbie Howe
May 14, 2014
Ralph was a wonderful man, he will be greatly missed
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Mason-White Funeral Home - Washington20 Valley Forge Road, Washington, IL 61571
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