Ralph Garland Stiles a longtime Ripley resident went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 06, 2009 at the age of 96.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Friday at the Mehan Union Church with interment to follow at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Ripley.
Pastor Larry Eslinger will officiate.
Arrangements are entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing, Oklahoma.
Ralph was born on November 23, 1912 in Golden, Missouri to the late William Bradley and Ida Dora (Hill) Stiles.
He grew up in Cassville, where he attended school. Ralph married Goldie Jones on April 6, 1934 in Eureka Springs, AR. He worked as a carpenter for Jack Shelton and Harry Sneed, just to name a few. After moving back to Ripley in 1963, their home has been a pillar of the community. During the last 45 years in Ripley, Ralph and Goldie have spent much of their time spreading the word of God. Throughout their lives Ralph has built and Goldie pastored numerous churches. They continue to grace the lives of so many to this day with their teaching and inspiration. Ralph made bread boxes and canister sets for many of the family. He enjoyed fishing and solving puzzles. Their marriage of 75 years had such a special bond that everytime a family member said “I love you”, Ralph would reply”We love you, too.”
Ralph is survived by his wife Goldie of the home, son Alfred Stiles and wife Pat of Yale, daughters Novella Lineberry of Albuquerque, NM, Leota Shay of Ripley and Leona Stiles of Ripley, 11 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 20 great great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his four brothers and his sister.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Diamond Valley Church, C/O
Palmer Marler Funeral Home, P.O. Box 710, Cushing, OK 74023.
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