Ralph Alvin Close

His memorial service will be at 11:00 am on Aug. 10, 2023 at Chapel of the Oaks, Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall, CA. His nephew, Mike Gurley will be officiating. A private interment will be at Eternal Valley.

Ralph was born in Taft, CA to Alvin and Irene Close on May 5, 1935. He attended school in Pismo Beach and graduated from Arroyo Grande High School. He married Audrey Gowman on Oct. 14, 1956 in Santa Maria, CA. He had a long career as a project manager building freeways and dams. Some of his achievements were the 14 freeway and the LA Reservoir. He was a very dedicated worker, and retired from Granite Construction Co. in 1985 at 50 years old. He enjoyed lots of hobbies with Audrey by his side, including Corvette racing, motorcycle, dune buggy, and scooter riding, and touring the country in their motorhome. They enjoyed attending Nascar races, camping and exploring the National Parks. They visited all 50 states. He treasured his little dog, Tammy.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey, a son, Dan Close and his wife, Kelly of Burleson, Texas, a daughter, Debbie Kilbert and her husband, Mike, of Canyon Country, 5 grandchildren - Kristan Hinze and her husband, Matt of Valencia, Kassidy Hoover and her husband, Kyle, of Midlothian, TX, Kory Close and his wife, Kaeli of Aledo, TX, Steven Kilbert of Hillsboro, OR, and Shannon Kilbert of Pearland TX, and 8 great-grandchildren.