Ralph Emerson High

Ralph was born on June 10, 1932 in Ada, Ohio to Nick and LaVaun (Hauenstein) High who preceded him in death. On July 13, 1952, he married Catherine Ann Gudakunst, who survives in Lima.

Ralph was a 1950 graduate of Ada High School. He had been employed with United Telephone Company for 43 years. Ralph and Cathy enjoyed many vacations to Florida, Pigeon Forge and Shipshewana with family and friends, and they were seldom seen without their very dear friends (and Cathy’s sister), Dave and Phyllis Lytle. Ralph was a Cincinnati Reds fan, and for many years, made an annual event of attending at least one game with all the family. He enjoyed doing puzzles, tinkering with cars, collecting antique model cars and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed competing with his grandchildren in Putter Golf. He will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor. He enjoyed making people laugh. He was a faithful member of the Riley Creek Baptist Church for many years and then the Lima Baptist Temple since 1970, where he served there as a trustee for many years. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior as a teenager, and is now in the presence of His Lord and Savior for eternity.

Ralph is survived by three sons: Robert (Kim Spayd) High, Richard (Kimberly Staley) High and Randall (Lisa Roberts) High all of the Lima area. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Amber (Shane) Huber, Anna (Bryan) Mack, Brittany (Clayton) Leimeister, Ryan (Chelsea) High, Brandon (Rebecca) High, Matthew High. Joshua High, Bridgette High and Rebekah High; four great grandchildren, Alivia Mack, Zoe Huber, Blake Mack and Calvin Huber; his two sisters-in-law, Shirley and Betty High; and an aunt, Betty Schulze in Chula Vista, California. He was eagerly anticipating the birth of two more great grandchildren this summer, Baby Leimeister and Baby Mack.

Along with his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his two brothers, Nick and Clyde High and a great granddaughter, Alexis Paige Mack.

Ralph’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2016 at the Lima Baptist Temple with Pastor Gary Hohman officiating.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at SIFERD-ORIANS FUNERAL HOME 506 N. Cable Rd. Lima, Ohio, and again one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church.

Memorial donations can be made to the Lima Baptist Temple TV Ministry at 982 Brower Rd. Lima, Ohio 45801. Online condolences can be left at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com.