Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ralph Edward Hay

Feb. 28, 1951 - Oct. 7, 2007

South Bend Tribune 10/8/2007
SOUTH BEND - Ralph Edward Hay, 56, died in his home after a two-year battle with cancer. He was born February 28, 1951, in South Bend, to the late Howard N. Hay and Mildred C. (Milliken) Hay, who survives and resides in New Carlisle, IN.

Ralph is also survived by his wife, Lesley A. (Fiedler) Hay; two daughters, Megan H. Hay of South Bend and Kelsey A. Hay at home; two brothers, Bill R. (Teresa) Hay of Monroe, LA and Gary L. (Shelley) Hay of New Carlisle. Ralph was a system analyst for AM General for 23 years and was a graduate of I.U.S.B. He was a member of "The Legends" softball team and played with his friends for many years. He was also very involved with the Warren Township Little League for several years, coaching his daughter's teams, umpiring, and cheering on his daughters, Megan and Kelsey. He loved watching his daughters play the game that brought him so much enjoyment through the years. He was very devoted to their sports, practicing with them and traveling to see them wherever they played. Ralph also enjoyed playing basketball, the sport he excelled in at LaSalle High School. He looked forward to the many 3-on-3 tournaments that he played with his buddies, Jeff and Jerry. His passion during the last several years was playing golf. He looked forward to his Thursday night league with his AM General colleagues and particularly enjoyed Friday nights with his wife, of 31 years, Lesley, and their friends from the Wingnut. He played golf whenever he had the chance and had many fond memories of outings with his friends. He will be remembered for his ability to recall memories that most of his family and friends had forgotten. His gift of storytelling and reminiscing will long be remembered. Ralph fought his disease long enough to see his beloved Cubs win.

Funeral services for Ralph will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 10 in the Lydick United Methodist Church, 26510 W. Edison Road, South Bend, where he was a member. Rev. Jennifer Johns-Gooding pastor of the church will conduct the services. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 9, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, South Bend. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637 or to the Relay for Life in Ralph Hay's name, in care of any Teachers Credit Union Location.