Ralph E. Runkle, 89, of Columbus, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at Riverside Methodist Hospital.
He was born May 1, 1926, in Ashville, to the late David Andrew and Elma Beulah (Miller) Runkle.
Ralph grew up in the Ashville area and attended Walnut School. He had worked for a number of years for David Davies Packing Co. in Columbus, then later was a partner in Runkle Construction.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Janice Freyermuth Runkle; daughter and son-in-law, Penny (Dave) Brown; grandson, Gregory Runkle II; sisters, Edna Johnson, Louise Massie and Mary Maclean; and brothers, David and Howard.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia A. (Jennings) Runkle; children, R. Michael (Cindy) Runkle of Canal Winchester, Greg Runkle of Columbus, Christina (Sean) Cochran of Columbus and Lea Ann Banks of Columbus; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, at the Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, 420 W. Main St., Ashville, with a funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, with Pastor Ty Myers officiating. Interment will follow in Reber Hill Cemetery.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
