In Memory Of
Richard A. Ralston
1954
2023
Richard A. Ralston
July 19, 1954 — September 23, 2023
Richard Andrew Ralston (July 19, 1954 – September 23, 2023)
Richard, 69, fell asleep in death on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 after an 18 year battle with kidney disease.
Richard was born on July 19, 1954 to John and Lucille Ralston in Royal Oak, MI. He graduated Madison Heights High School in 1972.
As a teen, Richard worked as a waiter, busboy, and a cook at some restaurants in the suburbs of Detroit. Then after graduation, he got involved in a family convenience store business later known as Ralston's Party Mart; where Richard would use his knack of making people laugh to keep customers coming back for more, helping that business thrive for many years. Richard used that same knack in sales for various companies, including the Mama's/Salerno Cookie Company on routes throughout Michigan from 1982 – 1987. He then returned to the family business where he delighted customers again until he became disabled in 1993. Despite his medical issues, his brothers Scott and John could always count on his encouragement in their business of Royal Cravings and he liked to give sales advice to anyone who listened.
Richard had many ailments in his lifetime but always kept a cheerful and witty disposition that put a smile on someone's face after spending even a few moments with him. It was during his time of battling kidney disease that Richard studied the Bible seriously and got baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 2009. He moved to Toledo in 2010 and grew to love Jehovah and his followers even more by being surrounded by many who were like-minded and appreciated the effort he made despite his pain and medical problems. The made Richard an inspiration to many in his family as well as those in the congregation as he rarely missed a meeting or assembly.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, as well as a younger brother, Gregory Ralston; 2 nephews, Christopher and Greg Jr. He is survived by his brothers, Andrew (Trena) Ralston, of Akron, MI, John (Suzanne) Ralston, of Holland, OH, and Scott Ralston, of Toledo, OH; son, David (Margeaux) Ralston, of Gaylord, MI; grandsons, Colton, Brecklin and Gideon; daughter, Kelly Treder, of Sebewaing, MI; grandchildren, Megan, Ashley and Josh; he was loved by his nieces and nephews, Stacey (Doug) Freeman and Andy (Kim) Ralston and Jason Ralston, of Gaylord, MI; Heather Ralston and Wendy Ralston, of Caro, MI, Cati (Zach) Wolcott, of Bay City, MI and Nate (Alexis) Lane, of Toledo, OH; and several great nieces and great nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held in person on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 3725 W. Alexis Rd., Toledo, OH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to donate.jw.org.
To share a memory of Richard or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Richard, 69, fell asleep in death on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 after an 18 year battle with kidney disease.
Richard was born on July 19, 1954 to John and Lucille Ralston in Royal Oak, MI. He graduated Madison Heights High School in 1972.
As a teen, Richard worked as a waiter, busboy, and a cook at some restaurants in the suburbs of Detroit. Then after graduation, he got involved in a family convenience store business later known as Ralston's Party Mart; where Richard would use his knack of making people laugh to keep customers coming back for more, helping that business thrive for many years. Richard used that same knack in sales for various companies, including the Mama's/Salerno Cookie Company on routes throughout Michigan from 1982 – 1987. He then returned to the family business where he delighted customers again until he became disabled in 1993. Despite his medical issues, his brothers Scott and John could always count on his encouragement in their business of Royal Cravings and he liked to give sales advice to anyone who listened.
Richard had many ailments in his lifetime but always kept a cheerful and witty disposition that put a smile on someone's face after spending even a few moments with him. It was during his time of battling kidney disease that Richard studied the Bible seriously and got baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 2009. He moved to Toledo in 2010 and grew to love Jehovah and his followers even more by being surrounded by many who were like-minded and appreciated the effort he made despite his pain and medical problems. The made Richard an inspiration to many in his family as well as those in the congregation as he rarely missed a meeting or assembly.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, as well as a younger brother, Gregory Ralston; 2 nephews, Christopher and Greg Jr. He is survived by his brothers, Andrew (Trena) Ralston, of Akron, MI, John (Suzanne) Ralston, of Holland, OH, and Scott Ralston, of Toledo, OH; son, David (Margeaux) Ralston, of Gaylord, MI; grandsons, Colton, Brecklin and Gideon; daughter, Kelly Treder, of Sebewaing, MI; grandchildren, Megan, Ashley and Josh; he was loved by his nieces and nephews, Stacey (Doug) Freeman and Andy (Kim) Ralston and Jason Ralston, of Gaylord, MI; Heather Ralston and Wendy Ralston, of Caro, MI, Cati (Zach) Wolcott, of Bay City, MI and Nate (Alexis) Lane, of Toledo, OH; and several great nieces and great nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held in person on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 3725 W. Alexis Rd., Toledo, OH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to donate.jw.org.
To share a memory of Richard or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard A. Ralston, please visit our flower store.
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