Dennis Ralston
December 4, 1945 — February 28, 2012
Dennis Fredrick “Denny” Ralston, 66, of Edwards, passed away at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.
In celebration of Denny’s life, a good old-fashioned Irish Wake and potluck dinner will be from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at the Kickapoo Sportsman’s Club.
Denny was born in Monmouth on December 4, 1945, the son of Fred and Mary (Kapas) Ralston. His father preceded him in death. He married Beverly Marie Murphy on May 25, 1968 at the First United Methodist Church in Peoria. She survives.
He is also survived by his mother, Mary Ralston and her special friend Charlie Roberts of Peoria; daughters, Dina Marie (Brad) Baird of Berthoud, CO and Dani Marie (Brian) Butterfield of Edwards; sister, Virginia “Ginger” (Kent “Jack”) Negley of Dunlap; grandsons, Ryan Ralston and Duncan Butterfield of Edwards and Sam Baird of Berthoud; granddaughter, Faith Marie Baird of Berthoud; “brother”, Rick (Debbie) Wolf of Bartonville; mother-in-law, LaVonne Murphy of Peoria; and his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and many close friends.
Denny formerly served and was a sharpshooter in the U.S. Army Reserves and was a member of the American Legion in Bartonville.
He was a proud member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 55 and retired in 2003, after forty years of service. He was employed as an elevator mechanic and was elected and served as their Business Agent and Financial Secretary for a period of time. He was affectionately referred to as “Boss Hog.”
Denny was a member of the Kickapoo Sportsman’s Club and the “morning coffee club.” He loved animals, was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed mushroom hunting and spending time on his 80 acres. He was a great wine and horseradish maker and a great cook, known for his fried chicken. He loved cooking for family, friends and gatherings.
He had a heart for helping others, was a man of principles and common sense and always called a spade a spade. He loved to play practical jokes and had a great sense of humor.
Most importantly, Denny loved his wife and best friend Bev, daughters, grandchildren, extended family and friends. Uncle Dinky, Papa, Dad and Denny, you will be greatly missed.
Denny joked, “in lieu of flowers, you can pay my bar tab.” Since he currently has no bar tab, Bev requests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue in Peoria.
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