Ralph Frederic Natusch

Ralph F. Natusch

Ralph F. Natusch was born March 29, 1923 and peacefully passed away on December 20, 2013. Ralph lived in Eaton Rapids 53 years before moving to Quincy, MI. to take a new job. He always continued to call Eaton Rapids home. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1940. On October 9, 1943 he married his childhood friend and high school sweetheart, Carolyn (Connie) Baldwin. She survives. Ralph was extremely proud of being able to celebrate their 70th Wedding Anniversary this past year. He served in the United State Navy from February 1943 to December, 1945.
Ralph is also survived by his children, Joelyn (Lee Yonker) Aitken, David (Sandra) Natusch, and Jerilee (K.C.) Allan. He leaves behind seven grandchildren, Jamie (Sarah) Aitken, Hillary (Brian) Eley, Carrie Rathburn, Sarah (Jamie) Oberlin; Amber (David) Stiles, Bridget (Jeff) Boucher; Elizabeth Allan; and five great grandchildren.
Ralph was very active in his children's lives coaching several Little League Baseball teams, always in attendance for school sporting events, school plays, piano & dance recitals, church choir and pagents. He was even a Campfire Girls troop leader. He enjoyed gardening and in later years concentrated on raising Iris of every variety and color. Many of his Iris survive today in gardens in Branch, Eaton, Calhoun, and Jackson counties. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing- any time of the year and the family enjoyed many a good meal of fresh caught Perch or Blue Gills. He was preceded in death by his parents Frederic S. Natusch and Carrie B. Natusch Sherman.
In accordance with Ralph's wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be Monday, December, 30 2013 at 1:00 pm from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00am until service time. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Great Lakes Chapter 107 Aprill Drive, Suite 1 Ann Arbor, MI 48103-1903 in memory of Ralph F. Natusch. For online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHome.com