Ralph Edward Alden

Ralph Edward Alden passed away on November 16 2016 at the age of 82. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 3, 1934. Ralph died in Gahanna, Ohio; peacefully surrounded by his loving family and gently cared for by hospice.

Preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Nettie (Thompson) Alden; daughter, Janie Alden; son, Eugene Alden; sisters, Margie (Alden) Coyle and Betty (Alden) Resener; brother, John Alden; and brother-in-law, Baird Resener.

Ralph is survived by wife of 64 years, Ann (Higi) Alden; daughter, Barbara Alden and daughter-in-law, Ellen Baer; son, David Alden and daughter-in-law Jane (Sander) Alden; grandchildren, Nathan, Kaleigh, Kira, and Noah Alden, Sarah (Alden) and Jesse Capecelatro, John and Lauralee (Harner) Guttridge; great-grandchildren, Clyde, Liam and Adelaide Capecelatro and Ethan Guttridge; sister-in-law, Mary Meredith; brothers-in-law, Charles Sandberg (wife, Anne) and Joseph Higi, plus many nieces and nephews, family and friends. Beloved by all who knew him, Ralph will be greatly missed.

After four years in the USAF (Korean War), and graduating from Purdue U. Ralph enjoyed a successful and rewarding career (1961-2005) as an Aeronautical Engineer. Well known in his field of Control Systems Design, he worked for four different companies starting at North American Aviation and ending at Snow Aviation, both in Columbus, Oh. Retiring at age 75, he enjoyed being a pilot, was a prolific reader and joyfully spent much of his time in his workshop, teaching his grans how to use his tools and designing and building amazing things for them. Needless to say, they were awed by his many talents.

The family wishes to thank Ross Heart Hospital and their incredible staff and OhioHealth Hospice for all the care given to Ralph.

Ralph donated his remains to the OSU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.

A memorial is planned for the Spring of 2017.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to OhioHealth Hospice & Kobacker House Expansion online at: foundation.ohiohealth.com (click on "Give to a program" and follow instructions); or to the Godman Guild, 303 E 6th Ave, Columbus, Oh 43201, which supports children in need. Donations can also be made online at: Godman Guild.org or at (614) 294-5476.