Ralph D. Martin

Ralph D. Martin, 86, of Goshen died Thursday, Sept. 14, at his home.

He was born in Dalton, Ohio, on October 31, 1930, to Phares D. and Magdalena (Miller) Martin.

Ralph married Betty Mast in Berlin, Ohio, in 1952.

She survives along with four children, Steve (Lucie) Martin, Middlebury, Jeff (Karen) Martin, Fairview Park, Ohio, Beth (David) Birky, Goshen, and Kirk Martin, Goshen; eight treasured grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three siblings, Grace Martin, Orrville, Ohio, P. Wesley (Mary Ellen) Martin, Orrville, Ohio, and Lois (Dennis) Zimmerly, Sterling, Ohio.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Stella Marjorie (Schantz) Martin, and his sisters, Alice Martin, Velma Souder and Carolyn Swarzendruber.

After serving in Voluntary Service in Greensburg, Kansas (1952-1954), Betty and Ralph lived in Orrville Ohio for 40 years. Ralph was active in the Orrville community and his home congregation, Orrville Mennonite Church.

After working in the family business, Ralph joined the JM Smucker Co. Even though he held a variety of positions throughout his business career, he always told people he was in sales.

In 1998 he and Betty moved to Goshen, Indiana, to be closer to several children and grandchildren. They became members at Waterford Mennonite Church; his church family was important to him during his final years.

Ralph was always ready with a joke and an engaging smile to young and old. He loved traveling, family gatherings, classical music, reading, and crossword puzzles. He enjoyed attending the many sports and music activities of his children and grandchildren.

Ralph will be remembered for his generosity, graciousness, and sense of humor. A lifelong Christian, Ralph lived a life accepting of all people regardless of their background.

Visitation will take place Sunday, September 17, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Yoder Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at Waterford Mennonite Church, 65975 State Road 15, Goshen.

Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery, Goshen.