Nov. 26,
1929 - June 15, 2008MISHAWAKA - Ralph Kenneth Gill Jr., 78, eldest child of Ralph Kenneth Gill Sr., who died in 1997, and Mabel Alice (Matchett) Gill, who died in 1983. Ralph was born Nov. 26, 1929, in Mishawaka. He was the big brother of Betty, who died at birth in 1934; Betty Penrod of Mishawaka, Mary Foos, who died in 1992, Carol Klein of Granger, IN, Shirley Young of Plymouth, Richard and Robert of Mishawaka, and James of Texas. He was the loving father of three daughters, Sharon (Dennis) Vanden Bossche, Georgia (Robert) Gill-Elkins and Debra Sue, who died in 1967; three sons, Robert, who died in 1949, Dwayne (Darlene) and David (Jean), all of Mishawaka. He was grandfather to nine grandchildren, Cody (Darcy) Vanden Bossche, Tammy (Jeff) Thompson, Robert Elkins, Roxanne (Grady) Woods, Michael (Shannon) Yeakey, David Gill, Crystal (Bobby) Stremme, Melissa Gill, Shawn Gill, Ashley Gill and Justin (deceased 1975); and great-grandfather to 18 great-grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews and cousins also survive Ralph. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Deverter Gill of Silverwood, IN, Myrtle Mae Treely of Mishawaka, James W. Matchett and Georgie Marie Starrett of Plymouth; and his step-grandfather, Leonard "Pops" Starrett. He loved his family and cherished his moments with them all. Ralph married Harriet Soule on July 9, 1949, and she survives. Ralph attended schools in the Plymouth and Mishawaka areas. He was also enlisted in the National Guard. Ralph worked for many years for Silvercup Bakery, also the Studebaker Corp., and retired from Patrick Industries. For a few years he and Harriet also owned and operated The Avenue Restaurant on Mishawaka Avenue in Mishawaka. Ralph was also involved with CB radios and went by the name of "Arkie" for many years. He was involved with REACT during that time. He was a member of the First Church of God in Mishawaka and Community Church of God where he was the head usher for both, and loved going to their campgrounds at Yellow Creek. He loved to piddle in his garden and also loved doing woodworking projects and gifted his grandchildren with many of his creations. Ralph was also a Pvt. E1 in the National Guard in 1954, and chairman of the BSA Cub Pack 109 in 1963-1964 with his son in Mishawaka. Ralph will be missed by his many friends and family. He will be buried next to his daughter, Debra, at Fairview Cemetery. Viewing will be today from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka, where funeral services will take place on Wednesday at 1 p.m., and visitation will also be held one hour before services. Rev. Ervin Mize and Rev. Denver Burns will be conducting the funeral services.
Welcome Our Dad Home
A page turned quietly today
In tears we watched you fade away
God decided it was time
To gather you to His side
He wanted to set you free
To take you to a better place
Peacefully free from pain
We held your hand tightly
As you left your earthly home
We will miss you dearly
But we knew you had to go.
Father we thank you for this man
And all his earthly days
Father now he comes to You
Although we're very sad
We know he's in Your loving care
We're glad he was our father
That we had the honor of knowing him
Though we will miss him in the days ahead
We would never want to call him back
To a world of suffering that he left
So God we have but one favor
Please welcome our Dad home.
Georgia Gill-Elkins
June 15, 2008
Fathers Day