Ralph L. Boling

Ralph was dedicated to serving God by guiding young people in the public schools. His teaching career of 36 years began in business and coaching and ended with 24 years at South Side High School, Ft. Wayne, most as Dean of Boys. His stories from a lifetime in education included some “adventures” experienced during Driver Training classes. He maintained professional memberships in Phi Delta Kappa and Indiana Association of Secondary School Principals. He also served the communities he lived in as a member of the United Methodist church, the Lions Club and Kiwanis.

As a skilled bowler, Ralph gained many hours of pleasure bowling for a variety of teams, valuing the championships he won and even more, long-term friendships.

His knowledge of carpentry is evident throughout his home and property, most notably: the family room he built, the playhouse he designed for his daughters, and the small barn for their childhood ponies.

Ralph appreciated the role that Ball State University played in the achievements of his life and he gave continuing support to that institution by his attendance at home football games and financial contributions. Each of his daughters and three grandchildren earned a B.S.U. degree.

Ralph’s own Ball State education was interrupted by WWII. After one semester, he enlisted in the Army. He served from 1942-1945 chiefly in Guam, the Philippines, and Japan. After the war he finished his education, began teaching, but was called up to Korea in 1950-1951. He was proud in later years to be honored as a veteran when out and about wearing his cap with military insignia over the brim.

Ralph Leon Boling was born December 26, 1922 in Scotland, Indiana, to Walter and Mary Belle (Bough) Boling. High school basketball and a scholarship provided the opportunity to enroll at Ball State Teacher’s College where he met his wife, Bronna Beth (Montgomery). They married in 1948 and celebrated sixty-two years of marriage on August 21.

He is survived by Bronna Beth, four daughters: Marcia (Clyde Perry, Virginia Beach, VA), Karen (Jim Pose, Fort Wayne), Elaine (Don Cunningham, Veedersburg, IN) and Joyce (John Engle, Garfield, MN) and ten grandchildren. His living siblings are Ruth Horning (Lyons, IN), Betty Whittington (Sanborn, IN) and Ronald Boiling (Bloomfield, IN).

Family members deeply appreciate the loving personal care Ralph received from Southern Care Hospice staff members and grandsons: Philip Cunningham and Nathan Pose. The family is thankful for all support given by friends, neighbors and church family.

Calling will be at Elzey Patterson Rodak Home For Funerals in Fort Wayne (Waynedale) on Tuesday from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Waynedale United Methodist Church on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with burial in the Nine Mile United Methodist Church cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to Waynedale United Methodist Church or Parkinson’s Support Group at Turnstone.