Robert Willis Ralston
Born: November 18th, 1915
Died: October 8th, 2005
Obituary
Robert Willis Ralston Sr., 89, of Burlington, died at 3:00 AM, Saturday, October 8, 2005, at his home. Born on November 18, 1915, in Burlington, he was the son of Floyd and Ruth Williams Ralston. On November 12, 1939, he married Delia Katherine Lowry in Burlington. She died December 30, 2003. Mr. Ralston worked as a switchman and foreman on the CB&Q and Burlington Northern Railroads, and served as Secretary-Treasurer for the Brotherhood-of-Railroad-Trainmen. Bob was a 50 year Brother of the Masonic Temple, an Elks member, and was baptized into the First Methodist Church. Bob personified Christian integrity, humility and loyalty. He studied the Bible daily, enjoyed watching T.V., gardening, collectibles, feeding birds and bird watching, mushroom hunting, and was a die-hard Cubs and Cardinal fan; Bob was a star baseball pitcher in his youth; he treated his dogs like Kings and his wife like a Queen. Bob and Dee loved to sit at the Auditorium and watch boats and barges. Survivors include three sons, Robert Ralston Jr. of Laguna Beach, CA, Ronald Ralston of Blue Lake, CA, and Randy Ralston of Burlington; one step grandson; one step great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his beloved wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Visitation will begin after 8:00 AM Tuesday, October 11, at the Hass-Thielen Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until 1:00 PM. The Funeral Service for Mr. Ralston will be 1:00 PM, Tuesday in the Chapel of the Hass-Thielen Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Dennis G. Tevis officiating. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A memorial has been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society.