Ralph was born March 10, 1925 in rural Allendale, IL to Ella (Buchanan) and James G. Kelsey.
He was a 1943 graduate of Allendale High School and went on to serve in WWII, stationed in Okinawa and South Korea. Ralph was a grain and dairy farmer and was also a sales representative for Pioneer Seed Company. He and his brother Jim produced Grade A milk for Prairie Farms for 25 years. He was the leader of the Orio Farmers’ 4-H Club for over 20 years.
He was also a member and past board member of the Wabash County Farm Bureau.
Ralph was a member of the Wabash Presbyterian Church; serving as an elder, Sunday School teacher and member of the choir. He was also a member of the Wabash Valley Walk to Emmaus Community.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of over 55 years, Evelyn Stout Kelsey, one sister; Eleanor Bell, brothers: Clarence, Paul, Wilbur, and James E. Kelsey, and an infant brother; Harold Irwin Kelsey. He was also preceded in death by 2 great granddaughters and a son-in-law; Randy Darnell.
Ralph is survived by his wife; Betty Coombes Kelsey, Evansville, IN and her children: Tim (Linda) Coombes, Robinson, IL , Richard Coombes, Liberty, MO and Jeffrey Coombes, Evansville, IN.
Also surviving are one daughter; Sandra Darnell, Hemet, CA, two sons: David (Carol) Kelsey, Allendale, IL, Steven (Marla) Kelsey, Paducah, KY, one sister; Phebe (Dow) Birkhimer, French Lick, IN, 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Funeral service for Ralph B. Kelsey will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, July 16, 2011 at Wabash Presbyterian Church, Orio, IL. Burial will follow in Orio Cemetery, with military rites at the graveside.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM, Friday, July 15, 2011 at Wabash Presbyterian Church, and also from 10 AM on Saturday, until service time.
Memorials may be given to the Youth Fund at the Wabash Presbyterian Church in memory of Ralph.
Ingram Funeral Home, Allendale, IL entrusted with the arrangements.
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