Ralph D. Williams

Ralph D. Williams, 82 of Sun Lakes, and Show Low, AZ passed away Monday, Sept. 12 of carcinoma. He is survived by his wife, Marge of 32 years; as well as his children R. Christopher (Mary J.), David (Janice), Elaine (Paul) and former wife Patricia Lucinda Drake. He was born March 15, 1929 in Kansas City, MO to Arthur and Ruby Anderson Williams. He attended schools in Northeast Kansas City and enlisted in the Navy for 2 years. He served on the Aircraft Carriers Boxer and Valley Forge serving as the ships postmaster. In 1948 he was employed by the Midland Lithographing Co. of North Kansas City. He became adept at the presses before becoming a vice-president in charge of sales with Hallmark Co. as his only client. While there he helped oversee the purchase and installation of huge German presses. He worked for the same company until his retirement in 1990. In April 1949 he married Patricia Lucinda Drake of Winfield, KS. To this union the three children were born. He is also survived by five grandchildren and three great grandchildren and one niece Sandra Duncan of Boulder, CO. He built his first home himself in 1954 and it is still standing in Northeast KC. In the 1960’s the family moved to a new house north of the Missouri River and he joined the Antioch Community Church, serving as a Deacon. Later the family moved their membership to the Hillside Christian Church where he also served as a Deacon. The family vacationed three weeks each year, traveling the USA coast to coast, car camping and sightseeing. He was also an active gardener, building a patio with a fountain. After a divorce in 1978, he began dance lessons at Arthur Murray Studios. He had never danced before and worked hard to perfect it. While there he met Margery Bowen, widow of George H. Bowen of Gladstone MO. After their marriage they built a new home in Gladstone. They completed it with a dance floor and mirrored wall for practicing and parties. They competed in the Heart of America International Competition from 1981 through 1989. They resided there until his retirement in 1990, when he & Marge moved to Sun Lakes and lived in Cottonwood until 1997. They moved to Battlement Mesa, CO. near Parachute CO. and resided until 1991. They returned to Sun Lakes settling in Phase I. Ralph will be remembered as a dog lover, walking “Lovey” twice daily until he was unable physically to do so. He was also the person, along with Bob and Arlene Hackbarth to establish a second ballroom dance club at Cottonwood Clubhouse holding it on Wednesday nights. He and Marge served in numerous positions on the board through the years. He was an honest, caring person; played golf through the years, having 3 holes-in-one at Palo Verde Golf Course. He leaned towards a being a perfectionist, as well. Ralph is not only survived by his wife, Marge and his children Chris, David & Elaine but step-children George & Pat Bowen, David & Pam Bowen, Stephen Bowen and Brenda Bowen; also numerous step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at a future date. Contributions in Ralph’s names to Arizona Humane Society and/or Americare Hospice, Mesa, AZ. Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary, Chandler, AZ.