Ralph S. Havens

Ralph S. Havens, 56, of Goshen, died Saturday evening at Goshen General Hospital.  He had been ill since January. He was born in Ezel, Kentucky, on June 10, 1954, to the late Clayton and Daisy (Murphy) Haven.  On September 7, 1974, he married Kay Haney in Goshen.  She survives. Also surviving are a son, Abe (Amanda) Haven of Goshen; a granddaughter, Claire; two sisters, Betty (Phil) Ebey of Wolcottville and Ruth (Phil) Hamilton of Elkhart; and four brothers, Joe (Shirley) Havens of Millersburg, Jim (Nancy) Havens of Elkhart, Don (Susie) Havens of Nappanee, and Mike (Cheryl) Havens of Milford. He was preceded in death by a brother, Clayton, Jr. A lifelong Goshen resident, Mr. Havens worked as a supervisor at NIBCO.  He was a stock car driver for 34 years and won the New Paris Speedway late model championship in 2004.  He also enjoyed gardening, wildlife and the outdoors. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, February 15, and one hour prior to the 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2011 funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or to the Elkhart County Humane Society.