Ralph F. Stickford, Jr.

Ralph Frank Stickford was born August 31,1928 in Springfield, Ohio and went home to be with his heavenly Father on October 3, 2017. He was the only child of Ralph and Erma Stickford. Ralph attended Springfield City Schools and graduated from Springfield High School in 1946. Upon graduation he joined the US Army and served from August of 1946-1950. He spent most of his service time in Italy. Upon return from the military he attended Springfield Business College and began working with plumbing sales for American Standard and Central Supply for over 35 years. He was married on June 14th 1953 to his beloved wife Caroline whom he cherished for over 64 years. Ralph and Caroline were soul mates. They had two children, Jim Stickford of Springfield, Ohio and Jeanie Stickford Dittrich of West Chester, Ohio. He has one son in law Gary Dittrich and one daughter in law Carey Lilley Stickford. He has ten amazing grandchildren and one great grandson whom he loved so much. Luke, Arielle, Mark Joel Stickford, Valerie Matson, Victoria Strickland, Ashley, Sara, Austin, Sammy Dittrich and Levi Matson. Ralph was a member of St. Andrews Lodge, #619 F. & A.M. of Springfield, Ohio and the Springfield Shrine Club, where he was president. He took children to the Shriner’s Hospital for several years to Dayton and Cincinnati. He was also a member of Springfield Kiwanis Club and St. John’s Lutheran Church. He loved his church and attended faithfully, and served with a loving faith. At St. John’s he was on the church board, ushered and help serve communion. During Ralph’s retirement years he loved to travel, take cruises, play cards, spend the winter in Florida, volunteer at the heritage center, enjoyed wood working, walking, exercise, going out to dinner, and spending time with family and friends. He will always be remembered for being out spoken, his sense of humor, and being a Cincinnati Reds and Bengals fan. Ralph was known for his hard work ethic, kindness, gentleness and love for his friends and family. He will be greatly missed by everyone. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 - 4 PM. in the RICHARDS, RAFF & DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME and for one hour prior to the service in church. St. Andrews Lodge will hold Masonic services Sunday at 3:45 PM. in the Memorial Home. Funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00 AM. in St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor John Pollock officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.richardsraffanddunbar.com.