Mary Ralston

Mary Ralston, 99, of St.Sharbel Village in Peoria, passed away at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 12, 2013, at Rosewood Care Center. She was born Jan. 6, 1914, in Conrath, WI, to John and Anna (Hlatky) Kapas. She married Fred Ralston on June 24, 1933, in Ladysmith, WI. He preceded her in death May 5, 1997. They were married 64 years. Other family members who preceded her were one son, Dennis F. Ralston, four brothers, and one sister.

Surviving are her daughter, Virginia "Ginger", Kent (Jack) Negley of Dunlap; her daughter-in-law Beverly Ralston of Kickapoo, five granddaughters, Beth (Dan) Kilroy of San Diego, CA; Paula (Steve) Endsley of Normal, IL; Patti (Earl) Schalk of Columbus, WI; Dina (Brad) Baird of Loveland, CO; and Dani (Brian) Butterfield of Kickapoo, IL. Also surviving are ten great-grandchildren, Daniel and Matthew Kilroy, Justin Endsley, Jacob, Cole, and Sophia Schalk, Sam and Faith Baird, Ryan Ralston, and Duncan Butterfield, and several nieces and nephews.

Mary and her husband Fred were hard working farmers. Mary also worked at the Galesburg Research Hospital and at Admirals in Galesburg. However, she never retired from working. Even in her last days of independence she found work to do. She was a valued member of Northwoods Community Church in Peoria and treasured the relationships she built while living at St. Sharbels.

Mary will always be remembered as a strong and courageous, determined and never giving up woman. She was self-disciplined, loved a challenge, problem solving and always worked toward a goal. She had a generous heart to help others. She gave her all to do her best on every project. She loved music and dancing, especially the polka. She loved to garden and watch things grow. She loved to tease and make other people laugh, and she carried strength that made those around her stronger.

Her last decade was blessed with her very special friend and companion, Charlie Roberts. His loving and positive nature inspired Mom and they gave each other, and others who witnessed their relationship, much joy. It was Charlie's love and Mom's love of her church that polished her natural attributes to a beautifully defined diamond. Charlie also became a treasured part of the family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rosewood Care Center for the loving care they provided to Mary.

A visitation will be on Friday, May 17, 2013, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. A private graveside service will be at St John's Lutheran Cemetery in Bartonville. A memorial service will be Saturday, May 18, 2013, at 10:30 am at Northwoods Community Church in Peoria. Pastor Sammy Waller will officiate. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate or to Northwoods Community Church 15:8 Project.