Born on September 21, 1940, in Wellington, Missouri, Ralph was the beloved son of Allen and Edna Schwartz. He spent his formative years in Wellington, where he graduated from Wellington High School. Raised on the family farm, Ralph moved to Kansas City after completing his education. In Independence, Missouri, he married his first wife and together they had four children.
Ralph dedicated over 43 years of his career to Hallmark Cards, where he rose from technician to manager. It was at Hallmark that he met his current wife, Carol Corpeny. The two married in 1998 and shared 27 joyful years together. After retiring, Ralph cherished spending time with his family, including his 8 grandchildren. He had a passion for the outdoors, whether working on the farm, hiking the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, or fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks. His cabin at the lake was a favorite retreat.
A devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 27 years, Ralph was a man of strong Christian faith.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Carol Schwartz; his four children, Gregory Schwartz (Patti), Michelle Brown (Phil), Marcia Ankrom (Greg), and Rodney Schwartz (Shellie); his brother, Gary Schwartz; his 8 grandchildren, Bret Schwartz (Kelsie), Amanda Nichol (Tyler), Seth Brown (Taylor), Chase Brown, Julianne Yager (Kevin), Claire Smith (Dexter), Hannah Schwartz, and Andrew Schwartz; and his 10 great-grandchildren, Will, Walker, Jack, Ellie, Millie, Wells, Asher, Elle, Athena, and Athaea.
Ralph will be fondly remembered by all who knew him in Prairie Village, Kansas, and beyond. His legacy of gentleness and hard work will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to have been part of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 5601 W 62nd St, Mission, KS 66202.
A visitation will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, located at 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO, on December 3, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A committal service will take place at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
