Hildegund Franziska Ralph

Hilde peacefully transitioned to Heaven on December 22, 2024, at 90 years in Ft. Belvoir, VA. Hilde was born on March 28, 1934 in Kronawitthof, Germany, to Karl and Karolina Kickner. Her life was a testament to resilience and courage. After losing her mother at the age of four and enduring the hardships during and post-World War II in Germany and Austria, she exhibited strength and determination in support of herself and her younger sister, Lina. After finishing school, she found joy in working in Germany’s Allgäu Alps at a youth center and then moved to Heidelberg to care for the sick. Later, she moved to Munich, where she became a nanny for an American Army officer’s family. It was through this connection that Hilde met her husband, then Lieutenant James R. Ralph Jr., and the two were married on November 24, 1955.

Hilde, Jim and their family traveled the world together during Brigadier General Jim’s nearly 35-year service in the U.S. Army, living in Libya, Germany, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Along the way, they built a beautiful family of six children and countless cherished memories. After Jim’s retirement, they settled in Northern Virginia, where Hilde’s home continued to be a beacon of love, warmth, and gourmet meals for her growing family and lifelong friends.

Hilde’s wisdom, common sense, and selfless actions guided by her deep faith and personal experiences defined her life. She brought comfort, encouragement, and joy to all she met—whether making her famous German potato salad for neighbors, bringing books to the elderly, or simply offering heartfelt ‘tell it like it is’ advice. She never met a stranger and gave her love freely, as a devout Catholic. Her deep care for others was matched by her strength, kindness, honesty, and positivity, qualities that brightened every room she entered. In her memoir, she wrote: "Pray, always pray, please! The Good Lord hears you! Love Jesus, and He will help you! Be kind to each other and help each other out. My life was a journey, and I am home."

Hilde is survived by her six children: Rebecca, James III (Denise), Linda (David), Rick (Evan), Michael (Stacey), and Christina (Shane); ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Lina, Elise, Monika, Hildegund, and many other wonderful German relatives. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim, on December 22, 2017, and two of her grandchildren.

There will be a Mass at the Ft Myer Old Post Chapel and interment at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday April 30th, 2025 at 2:45pm. Please arrive an hour before the service to Hatfield Gate at 29 Carpenter Rd, Fort Myer, VA 22211 to attend the Old Post Chapel Service.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Hilde’s memory to the American Red Cross at Memorial Donations - Donate In Honor Of A Loved One | Red Cross. Murphy Funeral Home Arlington has been entrusted with final arrangements. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Alexander T. Augusta Medical Center, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia hospital staff for their professional and compassionate care of their precious mom, Hilde.