Eternal rest was granted to Ralph John Werling of Baton Rouge on Friday, 1/26/24, at the age of 95. He was a proud, loving husband, father, grandfather and more. Born in Detroit as the eldest of four boys, Ralph graduated from the University of Detroit and spent most of his chemical engineering career with Ethyl Corporation in Detroit, New York and then Baton Rouge while simultaneously serving 13 years on the American Petroleum Institute's Statistics Committee.
Ralph served his church parish, Our Lady of Mercy, as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister for many years. His passion was helping his son, Paul, find ways to conquer life with cerebral palsy. Ralph served on the boards of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and The McMains Children's Development Center (now part of OLOL Foundation) for over 25 years, receiving the Helping Hand Award in recognition of his service. Ralph’s life revolved around his faith and his family. He loved his dogs, gardening, desserts, and a good joke. His witty, dry sense of humor combined with his love for puns and storytelling put everyone at ease.
Ralph is survived by his adored wife of 71 years, Barbara Ladensack Werling; five children, Ruth May (Gus), Michael (Stephanie), Geri Sutton (Chuck), Ralph (Anne), Suzanne Morrison (Michael); 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Paul, and three, fun-loving brothers, Roger, Robert and Richard. His grandsons will proudly serve as his pallbearers. A Mass of Christian Burial for Ralph will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Thursday, February 1st at 10 am preceded by Visitation at 9 am and followed by Interment at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. The family respectfully requests memorials be made to OLOL Foundation (a nonprofit) at fmolhs.org/giving/foundations/our-lady-of-the-lake-foundation/donate-now or mailed to Children’s Developmental Center at McMains, 1805 College Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.
May perpetual light shine upon him.
