OBITUARY Ralph V. Larson November 26, 1936 – December 6, 2018 Ralph V. Larson was born in Pittsburgh, PA on Thanksgiving morning to Victor and Elsie Larson. He was named for the doctor who delivered him and attended to by his Grandmother Verna Robb, RN who would later stay by his side as he fought a near-fatal case of childhood pneumonia. Ralph was soon joined by his two sisters Margaret Jane and Sarah Arlene.
Their childhood was humble as Victor repaired and refinished furniture for Gimbel’s and Elsie sewed and taught piano lessons. At a young age, he learned the importance of hard work and sacrifice for the survival of the family. Ralph dreamed of becoming an art teacher but funds were scarce and after high school, he joined the Army.
He was stationed at Fort Knox and met his future wife, Sandra at a skating rink in Louisville. Together they had three children and Ralph continued to be dedicated to hard work and family. Using his natural mechanical aptitude, he became a Millwright at Ford Motor Company where he took on long shifts and overtime to ensure his family never experienced the difficulties of his youth.
Paramount to his dedication to hard work was his desire to help others. He provided funds and support for those in need. He bought a house for his parents and moved them across the street from him and his family.
He never cared for material things and he never took any time for himself. A true samaritan, we will never know just how many people he helped because he was not one to boast or pat himself on the back. Ralph made sure that his two daughters had the opportunity to earn college educations and lead fruitful lives.
His daughter Kirsten is living his true dream as an art teacher. His eldest, Kimberle, spent many years working in the medical field much like his formidable grandmother. To his son, Aaron he passed on his vast mechanic knowledge.
Despite working his entire life to make opportunities for others, he still maintained a childlike impishness which he passed along to his grandchildren who will always embrace a bit of good mischief. When Ralph finally felt he could retire at the age of 74 years, he lived a peaceful and relaxed life. He enjoyed bird watching, helping his wife with gardening, getting to know his young grandsons and sitting with his devoted dog, Logan.
Ralph is survived by his wife Sandra, daughters Kimberle (Michael) Horvath, Kirsten Larson (Mike Lewis) and son Aaron. He is Grandfather to Kaitlin Horvath, Hillary Horvath, Sarah (James) Clark, Ashley Hunt, Jordan Larson, Ayden Larson and Ashton Larson. Great Grandfather to Jadeyn Lee.
Please join Ralph’s family to celebrate his life by sharing memories and stories of how he made you laugh or think differently about the world around you. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested making a donation to the New Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter as Ralph always had a soft spot for all animals.
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