Ralph Rhoades

Ralph Edward Rhoades, 86, of Rockford passed away at 2:15 PM on August 27, 2014 at Colonial Nursing Home. He was born on September 27, 1927 in Mendon, Ohio to Penn and Fannie (Fox) Rhoades. On May 17, 1946, he married Dorothy E. Robbins. She passed on August 9, 2014. Ralph achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant for the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He served 4 active years and 4 inactive years. He then went on to own an auto body shop named Auto Specialty of Rockford. Ralph was proud to serve the community of Rockford. He was a fireman for over 63 years and was Fire Chief for 38 of those years. Ralph was one of the founders and served as a member of the Rescue Squad as an EMT. Ralph was also a member of the American Legion Post #508. Surviving is one daughter, Barb (Scott) Bowen of Rockford; six grandchildren: Brenda (Matt) Schneider, Botkins, Ohio; Debbie (Fred) Slade, Greenville, Ohio; Lucas (Katie) Bowen, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; Brandon (Kelsey) Bowen, Rockford; Jamie (Kyle) Burger, Lima, Ohio; and Jake Jackson, Columbus, Ohio. There are also twelve great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Deceased are two daughters: Debbie Fisher and Julie Eicher; and three sisters, Doris Purdy, Madge Brandt and Mary Rhoades. Services will be held on Friday, September 5, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the New Horizons Community Church with Pastor Dave Souers officiating. Family and friends may call at the church on Thursday, September 4th from 2:00 until 8:00 PM and 1 hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will be at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina, Ohio. Memorials may be directed to the Rockford Fire Department and the State of the Heart Hospice.