Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ralph Dale Ankrom

Aug. 15, 1937 - June 26, 2008

South Bend Tribune 6/29/2008
MISHAWAKA - Ralph Dale Ankrom, 70, passed away in his home on the morning of Thursday, June 26. Ralph was born on August 15, 1937, in Midland, Michigan, as the son of Myron Earl and Ethel Marie (Scott) Ankrom. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, David and Reese Ankrom, and a son, Andrew Ankrom.

On July 23, 1971, in Mishawaka, he married the former Margaret O'Neal. Surviving are his loving wife, Margaret; children, Diane (Jim) Schirf of Mishawaka, Laurie Ankrom of South Bend, Kim (Ron) Banicki of Mishawaka, Karen (Brad) Donath of Granger, Kevin (Mickey) Ankrom of South Bend, Jim Ankrom of Walkerton, IN, Michael (Tonya) Ankrom of Bristol, IN, and Amy (fiancée, Matt Naikelis) Ankrom of Indianapolis, IN; 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Ralph was self-employed, and had owned Ankrom's Appliance Service until he retired in 2000. He had lived in Mishawaka since he was 16 years old. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and was a member of New Life Baptist Church in Osceola. Ralph always shared his faith and the plan of salvation with the many people he came in contact with, whether in his business or his personal life, especially his family. His goal was that all of his children would come to know the Lord. He strived to live his life according to the Bible.

Family and friends may visit today, June 29, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 30, with visitation one hour prior in New Life Baptist Church, Osceola, with Pastor Michael Cramer officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Memorial contributions may be made in Ralph's name to New Life Baptist Church, 11593 McKinley Hwy. East, Osceola, IN 46561.