Ralph Lee Finster was called home to be with his Heavenly Father early Monday morning, June 27, 2016 at the age of 86.
He was born on October 15, 1929 to Carl Finster and Gladys Moss Finster in Bunker Hill, Indiana. He married Betty Louise Lowe on November 22, 1951 and was promptly drafted into the Army in January of 1952. After training at Fort Knox, he served in Japan.
Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Betty and his sister, Laura Jean Gaskill along with his four children, Thomas Finster, Carol Fenton (Kim), Timothy Finster (Terry) and Cheryl Wood (Harvey). Six grandchildren, Jessie Fenton, Courtney Fenton McEuen (Todd), Kevin Finster, Rachel Wood, Melissa Finster Haas (Zach) and Josiah Wood. Ralph was anticipating the birth of his first great-grandchild at the time of his upcoming 87th birthday in October.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, Jesse Abplanalp and three siblings, Wallace Finster, Eva Finster Moore and Noel Finster.
After Ralph was discharged from the Army, he returned home to join the family farm operation, where they raised cattle and hogs and grew tomatoes, wheat, soybeans and corn. Ralph was very proud to be a farmer and thoroughly enjoyed seeing his crops growing.
Ralph was known to be civic minded and enjoyed serving on the Miami County Fair Board for 9 years. He was the first elected member on the Maconaquah School Board and served during the building of Maconaquah Elementary and the High School Auditorium. He also served on the Miami County REMC Board of Directors for 25 years.
Ralph was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Bunker Hill. During his many years of attending, he taught Sunday school and held offices as a Trustee, Deacon and Moderator. Because of his great love for his church he wished for all memorial contributions to be made to The First Baptist Church of Bunker Hill, 179 W Broadway, Bunker Hill, Indiana, 46914.
Visitation will be at the Allen’s Funeral Home in Bunker Hill on Thursday (June 30, 2016) from 2:00 P. M. to 7:00 P.M. and funeral will be at the First Baptist Church in Bunker Hill on Friday (July 1, 2016) at 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Richard Olson officiating.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Allen Funeral Home.