88 Glorious Years of Heart and Service

March 9, 1923 to May 24, 2011

Ralph Parsons was born in Clarinda, Iowa to Samuel Judson Parsons and Sarah (Sadie) Jane Ballard Parsons. A World War II Veteran, Ralph joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served in the Pacific for 2 years. After the war he settled in Portland, Oregon and married Laurain Ida Barker. Ralph was a delivery driver for Alpenrose Dairy and then had a long proud career as a truck driver for Albertsons receiving many commendations.

Ralph was a friend to everyone and beloved by all who knew him. He had a heart for service and was a devoted member of many fraternal organizations including the Masons, Shriners, and the Elks.

His favorite past time was to dune buggy on the Oregon coast. Ralph and Laurain were married for 48 years and enjoyed square dancing, RV’ing and active involvement in dune buggy and camper clubs. After Laurain passed away in 1998, Ralph married Donna Wright. In their 11 years together they spent time traveling and enjoyed living in Arizona for several years, finally settling back in the Vancouver area.

Ralph was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a man of deep integrity with a remarkable zest for life. Ralph had a positive spirit and generous nature, always ready to lend a helping hand. He will be deeply missed.

Ralph is survived by his wife Donna Parsons; his sister Hazel Hancock in Tulsa Oklahoma; his 4 daughters Sherri Wahle, Connie Nelson, Susan Parsons, and Kathy Parsons; and 4 grandchildren all living in the Portland-metro area.

Ralph's final resting place is Finley-Sunset Memorial Park cemetery. A private family ceremony will be held at a later time. The family requests that any remembrances be sent to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.