Ralph R. Harden

Ralph worked for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation from Oct. 1, 1954, until Oct. 1, 1985, as building foreman in the custodial department. At retirement from his full-time position, he transitioned to part time and then later taught janitorial skills classes at McDowell from August 1987 until September 1992.

To show his support, Ralph personally attended every senior graduation at Columbus High School, now Columbus North, from the completion of construction in 1954 until his retirement.

Ralph was raised by his half brother and sister-in-law, Cuba and Irva McKay. He had also worked for Mooney Tannery and enjoyed catfishing, hunting squirrel and rabbits.

Funeral will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Monday at Hathaway-Myers Chapel on Pearl Street. Calling will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to the service Monday. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hathaway-myers.com.

Born in Columbus May 19, 1923, Ralph was the son of Sam and Elizabeth Harden. He married Betty Louise Thompson Jan. 23, 1943, in Columbus. She preceded him in death Jan. 12, 1994.

Survivors include sons, Steve (companion Retta Hill) Harden and Greg (Lisa) Harden, both of Columbus; grandchildren, Shawn (Lisa) Harden and Aaron Harden, all of Columbus, and Kyra (Brent) Jewell of Scipio; and great-grandchildren, Brandon, Heather and Bailey Harden, all of Columbus, Ryker Jewell of Scipio and Joshua Harden of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a daughter, Victoria S. Harden, and brothers and sisters.