Ralph Gale

Ralph Edwin Gale passed away Sunday, June 12, 2011. He was born Dec. 29, 1936, at Bethlehem, PA, to William S. and Margaret L. (Boyer) Gale. Ralph graduated from Palisades High School in 1954, and then served in the Air Force from 1954 to 1958. He married Mary Margaret Boltz on July 4, 1959.

Ralph and Mary lived on a small farm near Overbrook, KS, from 1971 until 1988 and later moved to Keene, KS, where they lived for the past twenty years. Ralph began working for the Gas Service Company, and retired from Western Resources in 1997 after 32 yrs of service.

Ralph was active in the Topeka Daylily Club and held several offices, currently serving as president. He enjoyed opening his yard to visitors so they could see his favorite flowers.

Ralph was a member of St. Phillips Episcopal Church and attended Dover Federated Church. Survivors include his wife, Mary; his son, Jeff (Melissa), Yangling, China; his daughter, Janna (Rich) Thomson, Las Vegas, NV; and his daughter, Jody (Andrew) Howe, San Francisco, CA. Ralph had three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A sister, Bea Maioriello, Mesa AZ, also survives. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles.

Visitation will be from 6 pm to 8 pm on Friday, June 17, at Dover Federated Church, Dover, KS. The memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, June 18, at the church. Burial will be at Mission View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research, 1 Chalmers Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 or Dover Community Center Inc, P.O. Box 244, Dover, KS 66420. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, is assisting the family with arrangements.