Ralph F. Spires
Ralph Frederick Spires, 74 of West Union, Ohio passed away peacefully at his home on January 29, 2021, surrounded by his family. Ralph was born on April 25, 1946 to his parents, Pernie and Elsie (Fenton) Spires, in Portsmouth, Ohio. Ralph is proceeded in death by his parents Pernie and Elsie; brothers, Virgil Robert and Jerry and granddaughter, Briana Hughes.
Ralph spent his early childhood years growing up in Sugar Grove, Ohio before moving to Adams County, Ohio where he resided until his death. Ralph graduated from Jefferson High School in 1964. On March 23, 1965, Ralph married the love of his life, Virginia (Nelson) Spires. Ralph and Virginia added three daughters to their family; Julie (Donnie) Burris, Amy (Paul) Hughes and Becky (Brett) Price, all of West Union, Ohio; ten grandchildren: Amber, Jarrid, Cole, Vanessa, Shelby, Cassie, Heidi, Brian, Misty and Sarah and ten great grandchildren, Nevaeh, Ryleigh, Noah, Wyatt, Mikey, Lita, Collen, Carter, Elijah and Kimbri. Ralph also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Ralph spent many years as a tow boat captain for Dayton, Power & Light and retired from Adams County Regional Water. When Ralph was not at work, his life was spent enjoying his family which he loved dearly. Ralph and Virginia hosted the Spires/Fenton family reunion for many years which everyone enjoyed.
Ralph learned to play the fiddle at age 12. He used his musical talent by playing in church. Ralph enjoyed teaching the East Liberty Church Youth Group how to play instruments and perform gospel hymns for the church congregation. Ralph was a lifetime member of East Liberty Church.
Ralph also loved bluegrass music and enjoyed entering fiddle contest and playing his fiddle for many square dances. Ralph also enjoyed the outdoors where he loved gardening, camping, fishing, mushroom and ginseng hunting.
Ralph was a lifetime member of the Ohio Valley Antique Machinery Association where he volunteered to run the sawmill for many years until his health would no longer permit. Ralph was a member of Masonic Lodge #43 F & A, M and 32nd Degree Scottish Rights.
Ralph (Ralphie) lived his life giving to others and will be remembered for his acts of kindness to everyone that knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: The Gideons International Process Center P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251 And SOMC Hospice 97201 25th Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662
The public visitation is 11 - 2 PM Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Lafferty Funeral Home, 205 South Cherry Street, West Union, Ohio 45693.
The public masonic service is 2 PM Wednesday and will be performed by West Union, F & A.M. Lodge #43.
The public funeral is 3 PM Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Lafferty Funeral Home. Pastor Jason Hayslip will officiate.
The public interment will be at East Liberty Cemetery, Tulip Road, Lynx Ohio.
Due to Covid-19 Regulations, please wear a face mask.
Lafferty Funeral Home Incorporated, P.O. Box 5, West Union, Ohio 45693, is serving the family.