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Ralph Lightner Obituary
Ralph E. Lightner Sr. passed away at home with loved ones on March 19, 2009 after a brief, courageous battle against cancer. Born to Rollie and Midge Lightner in Ada, Oklahoma on October 4, 1945, Ralph moved with his family to Manila, California in 1958 at age 13, where he lived the remainder of his life. From the age of 17, until his retirement earlier this year, Ralph worked at the mills in Samoa.
Ralph’s pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jacque; his son Ralph Lightner Jr. and his fiancé Carly; his daughter Ida Heinen and her husband Dan; mother Midge Lightner and sister Linda Taylor and her husband Roger. He also leaves grandchildren Amy Walker, Raleigh Lightner and wife Lindsey, Jaclynn Kanouff, Justin Lightner, Rebecca Kanouff, and Waylon Lightner; great-grandchildren Shyniesa Whittington, and Tyleea Currie; nephew Gary Taylor and niece Shawna Farris.
He was preceded in death by his dad Rollie Lightner in 1982.
A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2009 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka.
Arrangements are under the care of Pierce Mortuary, 707 H St., Eureka, CA.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Lightner
Doris Jones
April 11, 2009
I am sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. God bless you and your family. We will be praying for you.
Russell Dees
April 2, 2009
I had the opportunity to work with Ralph for several years. Never have I known a better man. A Man filled with knowledge, with pride and with carring. He gave so much of himself to his job. When He spoke, we all stoppped and listened, for what he had to say meant something. We are all better people having known Ralph and I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brenda Beriodon
March 31, 2009
Although I worked with Ralph Sr a short period of time, it was enough time to learn what a great man Ralph is. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
xoxo
Brenda Beridon
Raspy, Carolyn, Jake, and Danny Smith
March 31, 2009
I worked on shift with Ralph the last several years. I was a new electrician and Ralph was always there to keep a eye on me. His experience and calm demeanor was invalable to me. I will miss him. My families thoughts and prayers are with Junior and his family.
Danny&Pam Whorton
March 30, 2009
I worked with Ralph at the mill and enjoyed knowing him so much. He was a great person. He will be missed by so many.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 30, 2009
Jacque and family, We are sorry for your loss,and pray that God will bless you with courage to bear this sorrow. We love you all, Rhonda and Mark Mills
(lightner)
Leona Baskette
March 29, 2009
Jacque,Ida,&Ralph, I'm sorry for your loss. Ralph was fun to be around. You're in my thoughts always.
Love you all.
Marlene Anderson
March 29, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
alyssa lightner
March 29, 2009
Rollie, I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about your grandpa, I only remember Ralph from the time you guys came to my grandparents house and we were supposed to camp out in the back yard but I think Ralph was the only one who stayed outside all night and we put whip cream on him and he didnt even get mad at us. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Pat and Suzi Masterson
March 28, 2009
I worked with Ralph and he taught me a lot. We had a lot of laughs. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Barbara LaMar
March 27, 2009
I worked with Ralph. He was such a nice man. An excellent millwright. He will be missed. My prayers are with you.
Jeanette Lightner
March 27, 2009
Jackie Aunt Midge Linda Sorry for your loss.Our love thougthts and prayers are with all of you. Love Jeanette Jim
Mick Challender
March 27, 2009
Ralph and his entire family was and are the greatest people I have ever had the privilege to know.They are ever giving and forgiving.I will miss Ralph greatly but I will keep him with me forever.
Mick & Vickie
Challender
Jackie & Jr I can't come to Ralph's memorial(previous engagement)Jr I'll be in touch
Butch, Sharon Lightner
March 27, 2009
Jacque and family: We just want you to know how much we will miss Ralph. He was such a great person, rough on the outside but a heart of gold on the inside. The last few days we spent with you is something we will cherish forever, the ride around town and when Ralph asked Butch to lay down beside him it is something he will always remember. Hang on to the memories because they will last you a lifetime. We love all of you and our thoughts and prayers are with you always
Lisa Lingard
March 26, 2009
Jackie-
Thinking of you and your family-know you
have been in my thoughts and prayers. And
we all miss you here at work, Everyone sends there Best to you! Please Take Care.
March 26, 2009
Ralph and I attened high school and also work for many years together. Ralph was one of the great ones that touched everyones life that met him. I will miss greatly.
Jerry & Jo Ann Esskew
March 26, 2009
Maech 26,2009
I had worked with Ralph at the plywood mill. He drove number 11 forklift in the sanding dept.
I had woekrd with him at the pulp mill and remember him always having a smile and easy going person.
-Ernie Alves
Martin Pawlyk
March 25, 2009
It was a pleasure knowing Ralph..truly, a remarkable skilled craftsman and a pleasure to work with... Will miss him.
March 25, 2009
Ida, Daniel and family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Our Love, thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Andy & Janine Underdahl
Dave Jones
March 25, 2009
Ralph was a class guy. He was a true craftsman who made work enjoyable. He made me a better person by his example. I'm lucky to have known him. My thoughts are with you.
Danny & Pam Whorton
March 25, 2009
We are so sorry for your loss. God bless and you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Ralph.
Ken,Karen Kanouff
March 25, 2009
Jacque,Midge,Ida,Ralph,our deepest sympathies to you and your family during this very difficult time. His deeds and memories will live a lifetime.
David&Camellia Armstrong
March 24, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers go with your family for the loss of Ralph.I've had the opportunity and pleasure too,work with someone as skilled and conscience as Ralph was.He will be missed
Stan and Vickie Manson
March 24, 2009
Ida-so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May strength that only comes from God surround you and your family.
Debbie, Jerry Hardcastle
March 24, 2009
Jacque and family, we are so sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of need god bless.
Jim & Eva Long
March 24, 2009
Jacque and family-We are very sorry to hear about Ralph's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Let the memories of a happy life together be the strong tower you can run to. Love Jim and Eva Long(Norma's sister).
Hobart & Marilyn Kline
March 24, 2009
Ralph was a pleasure to know and a joy to work with. Solid as a rock. Our deepest simpathy to his family.
Rina Ellsworth
March 24, 2009
Ida and family - I am sorry to hear of your loss. You are good people. God Bless You.
Shawna Farris
March 24, 2009
I love you all so much! I hope you can feel the love and prayers we send your way.
Angie Stapp
March 24, 2009
Ralph Jr and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Wiley,Angie,Lane,Ryder&Hunter Stapp
Rita Sickler (Martin)
March 24, 2009
Jacque and family - I'm so sorry to learn of Ralph's passing....my thoughts are with you at this time.
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