Ralph Leonard Hood

On Saturday, August 13, 2022, Ralph Hood, loving husband and father of two daughters, passed away at the age of 86 after a battle with cancer. Ralph was born on June 5, 1936 in Phoenix, Arizona to Ira and Beatrice Hood. He was a minister for 50 years and also concurrently a carpenter and then contractor.

Ralph grew up in Phoenix and his love for the desert and all things Western would last throughout his entire life. He had fond memories of playing the baritone in the high school marching band, as well as exploring wood shop. But upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy to “see the world.” He got as far as the Mojave Desert, where he discovered there is no lake in China Lake! Even though he was a new Christian, he helped to start a church in Ridgecrest while stationed there. Then he was transferred to Guam, where he made lasting friendships and helped to begin yet another new church.

His tour done, Ralph received an honorable discharge and moved to Vista, California to join his parents, who had moved there from Phoenix. It was there that he met the love of his life, Jeanette Larson. They were married on May 9, 1959 in Inglewood and just a few months ago celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Ralph and Jeanette raised their two daughters, Linnéa and Dona, in California.

Feeling a call to the ministry, Ralph earned ministerial papers with the Assemblies of God and became pastor of his first church in 1972. With a heart for small churches and home missions, he continued to pastor until 2015. He was an incessant prayer warrior and could often be found studying the scriptures and praying in the wee hours of the morning.

Ralph believed that any job worth doing was worth doing to the best of one’s ability. He always did his best and took pride in whatever job was at hand. He particularly enjoyed doing handyman repairs for the elderly as a way to make their lives better. His other passions included hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He also loved animals, particularly Cimarron (Cim, a German short-hair hunting dog), Smokey (a Shetland Sheepdog), Lacey (a white German Shepherd), and Mr. Chex (a quarter horse with a lame hoof that he adopted when it was a young colt and then helped to rehabilitate.) But most of all, he loved to be with his family.

Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Ira, and his mother, Beatrice, as well as his brother, Lyle. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette, his two daughters, Linnéa and Dona, his sister, Velma (Dolly), and four grandchildren, Alexandra, Jacqueline, Gavin and Kris.

Viewing, Committal Service, and Memorial Celebration will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022 (details below).

* VIEWING: Miller Jones Mortuary, 1501 W. Florida Ave., Hemet, CA 92543, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

* COMMITTAL SERVICE: Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518, 10:30-11:00 a.m.

* MEMORIAL CELEBRATION: Valle Vista Assembly of God, 2700 W. Johnston Ave., Hemet, CA 92545, 12:30 p.m. A light buffet will follow a short service. Please RSVP by September 4, 2022 at https://www.eventcreate.com/e/ralph-hood-memorial

Flowers may be sent to Miller Jones Mortuary at 1501 W. Florida Ave., Hemet, CA 92543.