Ralph English Johnston Jr.

January 31, 1929 ~ May 28, 2023 (age 94)

Ralph English Johnston Jr., cherished father, grandpa, and friend to all, passed peacefully to his eternal home May 28, 2023, in the presence of loving family. Ralph was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 31, 1929 to Ralph Sr. and Ella Mae Johnston. Those who knew him well remember him as a man who prioritized faith, family, and friends.

Ralph graduated from the University of Missouri School of Mines with a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering and spent two years in the US Army serving mostly in Alaska. He then earned an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and later received his M.B.A. from Western Michigan University. He enjoyed 35 years working in manufacturing management and ended his career teaching and consulting in computer-based manufacturing, just-in-time systems, and synchronous production.

Ralph shared 60 years of marriage with his love, Cynthia. They met in St. Louis and married on September 1, 1956, in Flushing, New York. From St. Louis, they moved to Dayton, Ohio, where Diana and Ralph III were born. In 1965, they moved to Battle Creek, where son Dean was born. It was during their time in Battle Creek that the family hosted three international exchange students: Dodie, Benz, and Peter, who continue to be part of the family. Ralph served the community through his involvement with Visiting Nurses, Band Boosters, and Boy Scouts. Ralph and Cynthia then moved to Lansing where they supported international students at MSU and enjoyed arts and cultural programs. Ralph and Cynthia participated in 30 Elderhostel programs, traveling the world and learning about culture and history. They delighted in gathering family at their cottage in Canadian Lakes, Michigan. Ralph loved gardening, feeding the birds, sailing, and canoeing.

Ralph was a lifelong man of faith, actively serving as elder in his church for many years. Most recently he was a member of Church of the Servant, Grand Rapids, First Presbyterian Church, Lansing and First Presbyterian Church, Battle Creek where he was part of a discussion group who remained friends for over 50 years.

Ralph spent the last eight years making new friends at The Village of Heather Hills in Grand Rapids where he was elected president of the resident council. He was a member and volunteer at Frederik Meijer Gardens.

Ralph was the quintessential listener with a remarkable gift of making connections with people – always eager to hear everyone’s story. He would often follow up by sending a relevant article, cartoon, or story that made him think of you. It was his way of letting you know that he truly heard you and cared about you. Ralph will be dearly missed as he focused humbly and kindly on others.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph English Johnston Sr. and Ella Mae Upthegrove; beloved wife, Cynthia; sister, Frances Jones; and brother, Daniel Johnston. He is survived by his three children Diana (Patrick) Moore of Wayland, MI, Ralph (Ruth) Johnston III of Valparaiso, IN, and Dean (Wendy) Johnston of Westerville, OH; grandchildren Joshua (Yizhu), Daniel, Michael, and LeiAnna Moore, Elizabeth (Brad) Jackson, Evan and Ash Johnston, and Hartlee, Sam, and Jenna Johnston; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Ralph is also survived by his dear friend, Lucinda Alt.

Please join the family at Ralph’s Memorial Service 11 a.m. Saturday August 12, 2023, at Church of the Servant, 3835 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, with a lunch following. Ralph’s ashes will be interred in Battle Creek in a private family ceremony.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution, consider supporting either of the following organizations that were special to Ralph: Refugee Support Team at Church of the Servant (check sent to COS 3835 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, 49546, memo: Ralph Johnston Memorial – Refugee Support Team) or Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids (online giving through their website https://www.meijergardens.org/donate - indicating tribute in memory of Ralph Johnston with the online portal options for donation). The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresbyron.com.