Gerald Ralph Hood

Gerald “Ralph” Hood passed away on October 15, 2021, in his home of 54 years in Visalia, California. Ralph was born on August 30, 1924 in Crane, Missouri, to parents Earl R. Hood and Drue Howerton Hood. When he was four years old, his mother passed away and family from both sides stepped in to help with him and his brother until his father met and married his mother to be, Audrey “Bea” Maples Hood. While his father had gone out to California for work, Ralph worked hard at a young age growing crops back on the parcels in Missouri and harvested them himself to help take care of the family. Using the earnings from the last crops and his livestock sales, he paid the whole family’s way out to California. Including his mother Bea, siblings, Uncle, Aunt and cousin. Ralph then started attending school and graduated from Visalia Union High School in 1943. Following high school, he joined the Navy on June 28, 1943 until being discharged April 7, 1946.

Ralph then returned to Tulare County in 1947 where he happened to meet “a pretty little gal, with fiery red hair, brightest green eyes and the biggest smile that made his heart pound”. Her name was Helene Fultz. Her parents and two younger sisters welcomed him into their family, as his family was then living in Washington. Ralph and Helene were married on April 22, 1949 in Exeter, California. Ralph and Helene were always surrounded with family and soon grew their own family. They had three children Jerry, Cheryl and Tim. Ralph continued to be a hard worker throughout his life. Once moving to California, he continued to work in agriculture, fruit specifically. Once married and raising a family of his own he was dedicated employee to a few employers. Including an automotive parts and an automotive supply business in the 50’s and 60’s. After spending one of the coldest winters in the 60’s working on wind machines, Ralph decided to take a position allowing him to spend more time with family. He then became a mechanic for Dotters & Testerman Ford Tractors up until 1987, when he took an early retirement to care for Helene who was terminally ill. This was a difficult but special time they were able to share together.

Ralph was a man about family, children, hard work and helping others. Ralph loved the outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish and camp. He loved to be on the water either in his boat or on the shore. He loved to play, watch or coach sports. Ralph loved reading, gardening, animals and all things in agriculture. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren more than anything. He was there for support at programs, sports games, birthdays, weddings and any other events or activities for his children and grandchildren. His family was everything to him. He loved them deeply. Ralph was calm, quiet, honest, strong, smart and gentle. He had a wonderful sense of humor that stayed with him all of his days. He was never in a hurry, but always got the job done well. His heart was kind and open. He would do anything for anyone and if you knew him, you have likely experienced his selflessness first hand.

Ralph was proceeded in death by his wife, Helene Hood; father, Earl R. Hood; birth mother, Drue Howerton Hood; mother, Audrey “Bea” Hood; brothers, Billy Hood, Rudolph Hood, Bobby Hood; sister Pat Hood Segel.

His surviving family members are children, Jerry Hood (Bonnie), Cheryl Hood Atkins (Joel), Tim Hood; grandsons, Shane Atkins and Claude Atkins; grand-daughter, Julie Atkins Marlton (Kenny); great grandchildren, Lane Atkins, Jeremy Atkins, Avrie Hutcheson, Luke Hutcheson, Shooter Atkins and Kenzie Atkins; sister, Shirley Rogstad; sister-in-law, Donna Hood; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 10:00am at Woodlake Public Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to give to your favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the HOOD family.