Dennis Funeral Homes

RALPH A. SMITH, age 98 of Waterville, died on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Traditions in Waterville.

Born in rural Waterville on November 30, 1913, Ralph was the son of Elmer and Elizabeth (Green) Smith.  He attended school in rural Waterville as a young man.  On March 2, 1935, Ralph married Marcella Matz in Waseca.  Together they lived and farmed near Waterville for the majority of their life together.  Ralph and Marcella loved every moment in one another’s company, and celebrated their seventy-fifth wedding anniversary before Marcella passed away in 2010.  Both Ralph and Marcella played together in a local band when they were younger, and enjoyed singing and dancing for the rest of their lives.  Ralph also enjoyed spending his time woodworking and fishing.  He was a member of The Cathedral of Our Merciful Savior in Faribault. 

Ralph is survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Merlyn and Margie Matz of Waterville, and another sister-in-law, Vera Tucker of Surprise, AZ.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families, as well as many friends.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his beloved wife, and one sister, Merle Sheldon.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at The Cathedral of Our Merciful Savior in Faribault, with The Very Reverend James Zotalis and The Reverend Henry Doyle officiating.  Visitation will be held for one hour before the service at the Cathedral.  Following a lunch served at the church, interment will take place at Sakatah Cemetery in Waterville.  Prosch-Dennis Funeral Home in Waterville is handling the arrangements.