Ralph Morris Smucker

Growing up on his family’s farm, Ralph developed a fine work ethic and diligence caring for animals and cultivating multiple crops. The family household was focused on service to Christ and community. Ralph was baptized as a young boy at their church and was guided by a strong moral compass becoming a leader among the church youth. His elementary and high school years were spent at Smithville High School where he excelled in academics and sports. He welcomed work opportunities with a local industry before moving to Goshen, Indiana where he completed his Bachelor of Divinity degree at Goshen College. He then moved to West Liberty, Ohio where he accepted the pastorate position at Bethel Mennonite Church. Following five years in Ohio, Ralph moved back to Indiana where he worked through various occupations involving businesses in multiple sectors of society before becoming the president of Corwal Corporation, a supplier of insulated panel structures in the housing and RV industries. His experiences there prepared him to move to Austin, Texas. After moving to Austin, Ralph started a consulting service where he aided his clients in business matters and taxes. He also started the Mediglider Corporation which provides technology to assist, lift and transport patients within any healthcare facility. It is also in Austin where Ralph met and married his wife of 27 years, Nevie “Cissy” Whetsel Smucker.

Ralph’s passion for people and community continued with church leadership, Bible studies, and local prayer meetings at Riverbend Church and within neighborhood communities. He loved people and enjoyed hosting any and all visitors in his home with his gracious wife, Cissy. Ralph was blessed by friendships of so many people in his church and community and, in turn, was a great mentor and spiritual nurturer for those in his life.

Ralph is preceded in death by parents Ella Pearl and Paul R. Smucker; brothers, Lynn and P. Mark; sons, Jerry D. and KJ (Kenton Joel); and his former wife, Janet Schrock Smucker. He is survived by his wife, Nevie “Cissy” Whetsel Smucker; brothers, Alvin (Betty) and Don (Jane); daughter-in-law, Julie Sciscoe Smucker; and grandchildren, Joshua Austin (Jenni) Smucker and Emily Smucker. He is also survived by Cissy’s daughter, Nevie Owens and her three daughters, Nevie, Lucy and Lilly Owens.

A memorial service is planned for September 27, 2025, 2pm in the Community Center at Riverbend Church in Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Riverbend Church Foundation, 4214 N. Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746 on which Ralph was an active board member.

Many thanks to the extremely caring medical staff at the Heart Hospital of Austin. Many thanks, also, to all of our beloved friends who have so caringly assisted us through the difficult times leading up to Ralph’s death.