Ralph Charles Cline

Ralph was a loving, devoted husband to Sandra Sue Cline (nee Bentz), a wonderful father to his children, Karen Johnson (Paul) and Michael (Mindy), and proud grandfather to his grandchildren Alex (Haley) and Morgan Rogers (Brady).

Ralph was born in Alliance, Ohio on December 17, 1935, to Kenneth and Marie Cline. He is preceded in death by them and his sister Florence Hess (John). He is survived by his sister Esther Stewart (Skip), as well as his wife, children and grandchildren.

He went to Miami University of Ohio, graduating with a degree in mathematics in 1957. It was there he met his future wife, Sandra. He was in Navy ROTC, and after graduation was assigned to COM-SEA-WEST Frontier on a Destroyer Escort, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He and Sandra married on January 3, 1959, and moved to California during his service.

After the Navy, Ralph went to work for NCR Corporation in San Francisco as a software engineer. He and Sandra enjoyed exploring the West Coast, but after several years, they decided to move home to Ohio to continue raising their family. Ralph continued working for NCR for nearly 35 years, helping develop the first ATMs. After NCR, he worked several years as a consultant, finally easing into retirement driving cars for the Voss car dealerships. He thoroughly enjoyed the variety of cars he drove and the different places he traveled.

Ralph and Sandra enjoyed traveling together. They were avid cruisers, taking over 13 cruises to many different ports. They enjoyed visiting Gatlinburg most every autumn, and Williamsburg for its historical beauty.

As devoted parents and grandparents, Ralph and Sandra spent countless hours following their children’s and grandchildren’s dance, soccer, baseball, gymnastics and cheerleading adventures, often traveling to different states to support them and join the fun.

Ralph was a Miami Redskin to the end. He was also a diehard Reds fan, following the Cincinnati Reds through good years and bad. He became an Ohio State Buckeye when his daughter, daughter-in-law, and grandson all went there.

Ralph loved the outdoors, backpacking and hiking when he could, gardening and taking care of his beautiful yard. Summer vacations were often spent at the family cottage on Torch Lake in Northen Michigan, where Ralph loved to canoe, hike and take a dip in the chilly waters every evening.

Ralph was a calm source of strength to those lucky to know him. He led by example, always willing to help and teach. Always wanting to support those he loved and make things better.

Visitation is 4:30-6:00PM Thursday, June 4th, with a service to follow at 6, and a reception after, all at Tobias Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to Hospice of Dayton or your favorite charity in Ralph’s memory.