Delores Ralph

Dolores Mary Ralph passed away in her sleep, Sunday July 1st, 2012, at age 97, at her home. Dolores M. Ralph was born on Apr. 9, 1915, in Lancaster, WI to parents, Frank Philip Lacke and Sylvia Christine (Kreul) Lacke. Dolores graduated from Lancaster High School in 1932. She married her high school sweetheart, Franklin Donald Ralph, on Sept. 2, 1939, after dating for eight years. Donald and Dolores were married 71 years before Donald passed away May 27th, 2010. Dolores moved to Greendale, WI after they married, where Donald taught school. During World War II they moved to Madison, WI where Donald taught at Truax Field and then Franklin Elementary School for 30 years. Dolores and Donald retired and moved to rural Mazomanie, WI in 1977, where Dolores lived the rest of her life. Together with her husband Donald they raised champion beagles for show and field trials for 40 years and enjoyed hunting, fishing and family. They also enjoyed animals such as miniature horses, birds and much more. There were always many things to see and do for the kids when they visited. Dolores is survived by her sister Patricia (Lacke) Steinhoff and her husband Edward Steinhoff of Richmond, VA. Neices Peg Bublitz and Mary Ann Myers of Lancaster, WI; Christine Infield of Cassville, WI; Diane Foster, Debra Cocke; Nephews Mark Steinhoff and Richard Steinhoff. Her cousin, G. Joe Johnson and his wife, Dawn (Boersma) Johnson and their children, Joey and Jamie of Onalaska, WI. And close cousin, George E. Heathcote Jr. and his wife, Melinda and their children, Rose, George III, Elizabeth, Ann, and Gibson of rural Mazomanie with whom she lived the last 7 � years.Dolores was able to live the rest of her life at home thanks to her caregivers, the Heathcote family, Pamela Tierney, Misty Galmitz and Sabrina Hannam. Dolores was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her sister Betty Kuenster of Lancaster. Dolores loved and was very close to all of her family. Dolores will be missed by family and friends. Services will be held on Sunday, July 8, 2012, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Visitation at 1:00 PM. Service at 1:30 PM. All are invited to fellowship at the Heathcote's home after the service where a light meal will be served.