Richard Dale ‘Ralph’ Minier, age 66 of Parnell, formerly of Belding, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, December 8, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Alice Woodhams and Shirley Larson. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 46 years, Bobbie and children Joe (Angie) Minier, Mike (Mindy) Minier and Sarah (Alan) Watts; his 6 grandchildren Madison, Hannah, Hunter, Caleb, Ella & Casey; brother Elwin Minier; sister Marion Parks; sister-in-law Patti (Bob) Harberts; sisters-in-law Katie Wilson, Carol Fox and Dorothy Anible; many nieces and nephews and countless friends. Ralph was a most beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He took great pride in his family. He served his county in Vietnam and was awarded a purple heart for his service. He was a US Postal worker for 42 years. Ralph was a devoted coach of many sports at St. Patrick’s and Lowell schools, Little League and Youth Football. He graduated from Belding High School and Davenport College. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4351 Parnell Ave. NE, Ada, MI 49301. Father Mark Peacock presiding. Visitation Saturday 6-8 p.m. and Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell. Vigil service Sunday 3:30 at the Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to Lowell Little League, PO Box 2992, Lowell MI 49331, or Lowell Schools Athletics, 300 High Street, Lowell MI 49331 or the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Ste. 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.
