Linda Mae Ralph

Linda Mae (nee Leber), beloved wife of Wayne Ralph. Loving mother of Suzanne Ralph (LeAnn Christian) of Atlanta, Georgia. Dear sister of Gail Leber (Diana VanDellen) and Janet (Ken) La Rose of Lakeland, Florida. Cherished aunt to many loving nieces and nephews. Linda passed away June 26, 2015 at age 72. Linda had a passion for life. She was born in Omaha. Her father was a meteorologist for the Federal Weather Bureau, so they lived all over the Midwest. In 1961 Linda graduated from Benjamin Bosse high school in Evansville, Indiana and went to work as a secretary. Linda met her future husband Wayne in high school and they were married shortly after high school. In 1964 their daughter Suzanne was born in Evansville Indiana. In 1965 they moved to Lakeland, Florida so Wayne could attend the University of South Florida. In 1969 They moved to Pasadena, Texas and Wayne began work at Shell Chemical. They came to Cincinnati in 1971 and Wayne worked at P&G. Linda did not work for several years as Suzanne was growing up and resumed working in the 1980’s. In 1987 Linda started working at The Delta Group a small engineering company that Wayne had started. Linda and Wayne retired together in 1999 to concentrate on doing the things they loved. In retirement Linda had more time to visit friends and family and more time to care for her birds and flowers. For several years after retiring, Linda and Wayne would travel about 4 months each year. A lifelong reader; Linda almost always read at least an hour each day. She always wanted to be a librarian. Linda was a walker, hiker, runner and snoeshoer. She ran for several years in 5K and 10K races before climaxing her running period by running 2 marathons. Hiking came next and Linda hiked in the Sierras, the Rockies and all over the USA. She capped this off by hiking the English Lakes district, walking across Ireland and hiking in the Alps. Through hiking she developed an interest in Birding. She maintained her love for walking, hiking, snowshoeing and birding all her life. Linda loved travelling and visited all of North America before starting on Europe. She managed to see much of Europe and Scandinavia. In her travels she collected local music as her souvenirs. Linda loved music of all types and eras. Typically Linda would listen to music several hours each day. Linda also loved theater and enjoyed the Cincinnati Broadway series for many years. She enjoyed plays in New York, London and Edinburgh Scotland during their fringe festival and Tattoo. Linda had breast cancer for the last few years of her life and was treated successfully for almost 6 years. She is grateful to Dr. Mahmoud Charif and the UC Health oncology staff for the loving care she received. Linda’s last wish was to die at home surrounded by her memories. Linda managed to get home and died peacefully as she wanted. She has been cremated and her ashes will remain with her husband. A Celebration of Life will be Sunday, July 5, 2015 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Schmidt-Dhonau-Kucner Funeral Home, 10980 Reading Road, Sharonville, OH 45241. Donations may be made in memory of Linda to an organization of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.schmidtdhonaukucnerfunerals.com.