Ralph Roland Black

Ralph Roland Black was born Dec. 17, 1936, in Benton Harbor, the son of Ralph and Grace (Brant) Black.

Ralph passed away at his home in Hartford on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at the age of 88.

On March 4, 1957, Ralph was united in marriage with Virginia Clauser. Ginny, as she was known, passed away on June 14, 2023. Also preceding Ralph in passing were his parents and a sister, Catherine Knapp.

Ralph is survived by a daughter, Wendy (Tim) Boyd; two sons, Ralph Black and Bart Black; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and a sister, Helen Volrath.

Ralph was formerly employed and retired from Pullman Industries. He loved the Hartford General Baptist Church where he was head deacon for many years. He was an avid golfer, getting a hole-in-one, and bowler, also bowling a 300 game.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford, where a celebration of life service to honor Ralph's memory will follow. Pastor Steven Bisbee of the Hartford General Baptist Church will officiate. Ralph will be laid to rest next to Ginny in North Shore Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hartford General Baptist Church. Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.