Ralph Edward Niles

Shortly after graduating from Red Bluff High School (1956), he served in Tripoli as a radio lineman for the US Air Force. He worked at McClellan AFB in various capacities. Prior to his retirement at age 54, he worked in Ankara, Turkey as a civilian with the US Air Force as a liaison between the Turkish Air Force and building contractors. A skilled and talented carpenter and woodworker, he remodeled many homes in Placer County. He maintained the building that he and his wife Rita owned and operated as Rainbow Junction Preschool and Daycare in Lincoln.

He loved fishing, reading, poetry, and country music. He visited flea markets and bought and sold antique woodworking tools on Ebay. His woodworking skills led him to create beautiful custom cabinets along with a host of other items like bowls, trays and trophies.

An avid reader, Ralph was a huge fan of nonfiction, especially anything written by Stephen Ambrose. His favorite poem was the epic “Song of Hiawatha” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. For years, he attempted to memorize it and many other epic poems. One of Ralph’s favorite epitaphs by Baltimore writer H.L. Mencken: “If, after I depart this vale, you ever remember me and have thought to please my ghost, forgive some sinner and wink your eye at some homely girl.”

Known by most people as a nice guy, Ralph was kindhearted, caring, and industrious. Well-loved and well liked, he had friends everywhere he went. He was fond of joking and sometimes he was funny. He was the glue and the lynchpin that kept his assorted friends and family connected.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Rita, his half brother Kenneth (Theresa) Niles; children Davin Niles, Kari Niles, and Jeanette Butler; stepchildren Laura (Roger) Erickson, Kathy Schulenberg, and Tracy (Jerry) Fortier, two grandchildren: Rachel (Jeremy) Marciniak and Heather (Mike) Noddings; four step grandchildren: Gabe and Emma Erickson, Aaron (Nicole) Fortier and Laura (Nick) Lounsbury, three great grandchildren, his former wife Margaret Stidham, and many other extended family and friends. In addition to his human family, Ralph leaves behind his dog Abby. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Rich Schulenberg, former wife Rose (McGarvey) and his parents and siblings: Charles Niles, Arthur Niles, Jr., Wanda Goetz, Muriel Wilkinson, and Nancy Moyer.

A Celebration of Life will be held Nov. 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Lincoln Community Church, 950 E. Joiner Parkway, with a luncheon following the service. Internment at Lincoln Cemetery, 1445 1st Street in Lincoln.