Ralph E. Schofield, age 73, of Waldo, died early Saturday morning, March 16, 2013, at home surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness.
On July 10, 1939, Ralph was born in Marion, Ohio, the son of the late Frank and Alfreda (Severns) Schofield. He attended school in Marion and Radnor, until leaving early to join the military.
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Ralph was proud to serve his beloved country.
Shortly following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Ralph attended IBM schools in Cleveland, where he earned a degree.
After IBM schools, Ralph returned to his hometown of Marion, where he fell for a young lady, Judy Newell. They were married on November 23, 1960, and have cherished their fifty two years together. They were members of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waldo.
He first worked for the Marion Powel Shovel and drove truck, until in 1971, when he followed his passion of being a mechanic, opening his own garage in Waldo, Ralph’s Repair Service. He ran his own shop until 1989, when he was no longer able due to his health.
When he wasn’t working in his shop, Ralph was often working on all other types of projects for his friends and family. He was a jack of all trades who could “do anything and fix anything”, and was happy to help you. When working on a project he was an “architectural genius” and “perfectionist”, never stopping until a project met his approval.
Able to find a use for most anything, Ralph was a collector of all things, especially tools and coins. He also enjoyed playing around on computers.
Not the serious type, Ralph loved to joke, tease and have fun with the one’s he loved. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Judy Schofield; four children: Candi (Rick) Davis, Robert Schofield, all three of Waldo, Linda (Greg) Pennington of Delaware, and Andrea Schofield of Waldo; six grandchildren: Houston Roberts and Nick (Molly) Mustard, Whitney and Kayleigh Schofield, Chelsea (Jared) Nelson, and Chase Pennington; five great-grandchildren; four brothers: Dallas (Barbara) Schofield of Mt. Victory, Bill (Sandy) Schofield of Bellevue, NE, Frank (Joyce) Schofield of Marion, and Jim (Lynn) Schofield of Camden, MI; a sister, Rose “Sis” Honaker of Marion; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Schofield family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2013, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will also be held there on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council will follow in Waldo Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lymphoma Research Foundation and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Ralph’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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