Ralph Warren Ash

Ralph W. Ash passed peacefully on January 18, 2017. He was born on March 26th, 1928 in Portola, California to George A. and Helen (Nyholm) Ash. The family moved to Arizona living briefly in Douglas before settling in Holbrook, where Ralph first attended school. Ralph’s family eventually moved to Phoenix where he graduated from North Phoenix High School in 1945. Ralph then joined the US Navy where he served with the Atlantic Fleet until he was discharged in 1948. He then attended Arizona State College in Flagstaff and Georgetown College in Kentucky, eventually completing his BA degree at Grand Canyon College in Phoenix, Graduating with honors in 1953. Ralph then went on to earn a master’s degree in religious education from Southern Baptist Seminary in Kentucky. He left the ministry and returned to Phoenix to work in insurance, real estate and securities. In Phoenix, Ralph met the love of his life, Virginia Ratajski. They were married for 42 years before Virginia’s passing in April on 2010. Ralph longed for the day he would be reunited with his bride. He is survived by his son Jeffrey Ash, Daughter In law Sarah, Step-Sons David and Brad Ratajski and their families, step-brother Marvin Evans (wife) half-sister Nancy Buckel (husband) 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.