Ralph C. Howell

Ralph C. Howell, age 87, of Selma, died Wednesday, May 18, 2011 in Grants Pass.

A viewing will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Illinois Valley Funeral Directors.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at Community Bible Church in Cave Junction with Pastor Monty Pope officiating. Interment will follow at Deer Creek Cemetery in Selma.

Remembrances may be made to Illinois Valley Fallen Firefighters Fund, c/o 681 Caves Highway, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523.

Ralph was born July 28, 1923 in Chowchilla, California to Ralph & Laura Howell. He was a part of the Van Nuys High School Class of 1942 and always enjoyed attended his reunions. From November 10, 1942 to November 4, 1945 he served in the United States Navy. On March 24, 1944 in Van Nuys, California he married Ruth L. Parr. For 31 years until his retirement in 1976, Ralph worked for Los Angeles Water & Power as a heavy duty truck driver and always said “I’ve got the best job ever.” He moved from Newhall, California to Selma 33 years ago in July 1977.

Ralph was a member of Selma Baptist Church where he was an honorary deacon.

He volunteered for the State of Oregon Adult & Family Services driving folks to doctor appointments and other destinations as well as drove part-time for Davison Re ady Mix. Since October 5, 1982 he volunteered for Illinois Valley Fire District as a firefighter apparatus operator.

His hobbies included playing bass guitar at church, rafting with his grandkids, going to garage sales, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth L. Howell of Selma, Oregon; five children, Linda Brown of Cave Junction, Oregon, Ralph Howell of Portola, California, Bonnie Braden of Murphy, Oregon, Donald Howell of Grants Pass, Oregon, and Carol Long of Social Circle, Georgia; 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.

He was preceded in death by two sisters.