Ralph Dewayne Buzbee

Ralph Dewayne Buzbee, born October 18, l947, to Ralph Jr., Buzbee and Mildred Eileen Ramer Buzbee, passed away on February 7, 2026 at his home, with his wife by his side. Ralph was the oldest of four children.

Ralph grew up in Peru, Indiana. He was the oldest of four children. After graduating from Peru High School, he attended Manchester College in Indiana earning his bachelor's degree in Sociology and the nickname Buz. While there, he met and married Barbara, his wife of 58 years.

Ralph began his career as a teacher and coach in New Paris, Ohio. From there he became a social worker, serving in Montgomery County, Ohio for several years in a role that involved child protection. Later, he worked as a salesman in the recreational vehicle industry, bringing his friendly, outgoing nature to his customers. During those years he was very involved in the church that was pastored by his wife's father. A lover of music, Ralph sang in a men's trio for many years. Their harmony and style was a blessing to many. Ralph was also a sports enthusiast. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and Notre Dame and coached both high school football and wrestling. He loved attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events that included gymnastics, football, wrestling, soccer, cross country, track and baseball.

In l997 after pursuing some post graduate work at Miami University with the idea of teaching again, he and his wife sold their home in Ohio and moved to Arizona to be closer to family. It was after becoming involved in their church in Phoenix that he was asked to serve as director of pastoral care, making hospital calls across the valley, overseeing a food and clothing ministry, serving as pastor to senior adults, helping to start a Stephen Ministry program, officiating funerals and an occasional wedding. If his office door was open, Ralph was available to listen, encourage or assist someone off the street or co-workers alike. Ralph's joy was infectious and more often than not, sounds of laughter could be heard coming from his office drawing those in who might be within range of his voice. Ralph's compassionate personality and wonderful sense of humor genuinely encouraged all to whom he ministered. One of his passions and that which gave him great joy was teaching bible studies. His lessons were original, often unconventional employing drama, movie clips, stories and surprise guests making his teaching memorable, applicable, and convicting. The truths he taught were always spiritually insightful and rarely without humor. He quickly became a favorite of all who were fortunate to sit under his teaching.

Ralph desired, more than anything, to finish well. He loved his wife and his children fiercely. As I write this, I see on his desk a list of names....all family for whom he prayed every day.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 58 years, a daughter, Shannon and son-in law, Jon Lindsay; a son Aaron and daughter-in-law, Tabetha; four grandchildren: Kara and husband, Tanner Bent, and their boys, Kayson and Westyn; Kegan Lindsay; Seth Buzbee and Emma and husband, Danny Smith and newborn, Magnolia Louise. He is also survived by his sister Janet and a brother Phillip. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mildred Buzbee and his brother, David.