Ralph Orr's Obituary
Mt. Zion-Ralph Orr, 83, of Mt. Zion, passed away at 11:11 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2010 at Decatur Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.
Per his wishes cremation rites will be accorded. Private family inurnment with 'Flight Home' Ceremony will be held at Graceland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society or the DMH Foundation. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Ralph was born January 30, 1927 at the family home near Stanford, Illinois the son of Ernest and Lillie Orr. He was the second of six children, four boys and two girls. He grew up on a farm, attended school at Swamp Institute Grade School, a one room country school. He attended and graduated from Stanford Community High School in the spring of 1945. Following graduation He entered the Army Air Corp and served in the European Theater of W.W. II. Following discharge from the service in 1946 he worked around Stanford doing custom farm work and general trucking for one year. He then attended the School of Radiologic Technology at Memorial Hospital of Springfield. He later attended Millikin University. Following graduation from Radiologic Technology School he accepted a position with Decatur Memorial Hospital where her worked for nearly thirty-eight years until retiring in 1986. While employed there he met Rose Elaine Ranes, a student at the time. They were married July 16, 1949. Rose preceded him in death June 28, 1999 after nearly fifty wonderful years of marriage.
He leaves behind his daughter; Jane Elder and husband Wayne of Decatur, son; Greg Orr of Ft. Collins, Colorado, brother; Russell Orr of Stanford, sisters; Bonnie Hitt and husband Bob of St. Joseph and June Smith of Champaign, grandchildren; Caley Orr and wife Jamie, Cory Orr, Sara Orr, Melissa Luebbe and husband Jim, Dan Orr and wife Adrian, Jacob Elder and wife Ronda and Caleb Elder and girlfriend Kasey Steiling.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Gary Orr, and two brothers.
Ralph loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. He was always there to lend a helping hand.
What’s your fondest memory of Ralph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ralph?
Share a story where Ralph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ralph you’ll never forget.
How did Ralph make you smile?