Ralph Bowling

Ralph Bowling, Jr., aged 53, of Clarksville, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, January 2, 2010. Ralph was born in Cincinnati, OH on July 24, 1956 to Ralph, Sr. and Rebecca (Howard) Bowling. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1975. Ralph had worked at Franklin Metal in Lake Odessa for many years, and most recently had worked at Meridian Manufacturing. Ralph enjoyed listening to his music, and watching anything that had to do with history, especially the Civil War. He loved old Spaghetti Westerns and old B-movies. He also enjoyed playing video games, fishing, and squirrel hunting, and loved going on long evening rides with his wife. Ralph is survived by Gerry (Jackson), his wife of 33 years; son, Ralph III (Anna) Bowling; daughters, Melissa (Josh) Shattuck and Heather (Marcel) Bafaro; grandchildren, Hannah (who resides with Ralph and Gerry), Emmalee, Spencer, Conner, Betsy, and Elissa; mother, Rebecca Bowling; brothers, John "Dale" (Amy) Bowling, and James (Kathy) Napier; sisters, Ann (Bill) Roth, Tammy (Brian) Hicks, and Sally Jo Bowling; father-in-law, Joey Jackson; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and their spouses; many special nieces and nephews; and his loving dogs, Cleo, Bar Dog, Nellie, Mitzi, Honey, and Maggie. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Bowling, Sr.; and mother-in-law, Betty Jackson. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at the Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Funeral Service January 06, 2010 1:00 PM Koops Funeral Chapel 935 Fourth Ave. Lake Odessa, MI (616) 374-8221