Ralph was a founding member of the Mid-Michigan 3.838 Mhz. 3 PM ragchew Net. He was formerly from Farmington, MI., and retired to beautiful Higgins Lake in northern MI. R.I.P. my friend. K8MRS
Ralph W. Linley, Mr., K8CZG SK Ralph William Linley January 13, 1930 - November 3, 2019 Ralph Linley was born in Hazel Park, Michigan and grew up in Ferndale, Michigan. He spent his summers at the family cabin in Lewiston, Michigan. In Lewiston, Ralph learned to sail a small boat with his dog, Buddy. He learned electronics as a kid from his big brother George and used over a mile of wire to connect telephone service to the cabin for his mother. His brother George became a ham radio operator and so did Ralph, it even rubbed off on Ralph's son Steven. Ralph joined the Army, one day before his 18th birthday and was honorably discharged as a Technical Corporal in 1948. In the Army he wired telephones and V2 rockets at the White Sands Proving Ground in White Sands, New Mexico. As a teen Ralph continued to spend his summers in Lewiston, Michigan and that's where Ralph met the love of his life, Jo-Ann (Pence). As the two became acquainted they discovered they both attended Ferndale High School. Jo-Ann (Pence) married Ralph Linley on June 17th, 1950 at age 18 and 20 respectively. They were married for 68 years. They lived in Royal Oak for a month then moved to Ferndale, MI. As their children were born Ralph and Jo-Ann bought a home in Farmington, MI where they raised 3 children; Steven, Thomas, and Karen. The children have many fond memories of camping vacations up north, mostly at Higgins Lake. Dad was always surprising the children and mom. The children remember Dad bringing home candy (hard licorice) if he worked late, painting a shuffleboard court on the basement floor, the bumper pool table, ping pong table, and the boat he brought home one day. Mom always loved the water and learned to love the boat as she did with all Dad's surprises. The children have many fond memories of boating, learning to water ski, and the bumper pool and ping pong tournaments in the basement of their home, where the “champion's” name was written in the basement rafters each year. Ralph enjoyed playing golf and often looked forward to golfing, fishing and boating with family and friends. Ralph and Jo-Ann took lessons in Square Dancing which lead to 10 plus years of square & round dancing 1-2 times a week. Over the years they developed many friendships. They looked forward to dressing the part for dances and parties. In retirement, Ralph and Jo-Ann moved to the Higgins Lake, MI where they enjoyed the up north life. They enjoyed spending a few winter weeks in Florida and summers, boating on Higgins Lake and walking the woods of Lewiston State Park to relive the spark of their friendship and love for each other. After nine years of battling bladder cancer, surviving a year without his wife, Ralph's body finally succumbed to cancer with his children by his side. His last six weeks were spent in the Palliative care unit of the VA medical clinic in Saginaw, MI. The family was blessed by the honorable and loving care he received at the VA. The VA gave Ralph his departure flag ceremony as he left the facility and honored his children with his body flag. Ralph is preceded in death by; wife Jo-Ann, brother George Linley (Grace), Sister Ruth (Linley) (Merl) Watchke , brother-in-law Jerry Pence (Marilyn) , and son-in-law Herbert Brietzke. Ralph is survived in death by; brother-in-law Bill and sister-in-law Jan Pence of Gilbert, AZ, sister-in-law Shirley (Pence) Osterlund, brother-in-law Vern Osterlund of Petoskey, MI, son Steven Linley, daughter-in-law Brenda of Midland, son Thomas Linley daughter-in-law Beth of Plymouth, MI, daughter Karen (Linley) Brietzke of Brighton, MI granddaughters Erin (Linley) (Eron) Skamiera of New Boston, MI, Amber (Linley) (Tom) Duitsman of Bettendorf, IA, Jennifer (Linley) (Scott) Kreig of Garden City, MI, Heather (Schmitz) (Craig) Tackett of Fowlerville, MI, Reneé (Linley) Carpenter (Jeff) of New Port, MI, grandsons; Brian (Kristie) Linley of Plymouth, MI and Michael Linley of Warren, MI, 11 nieces and nephews and nine great grandchildren. Cremation for Ralph has taken place and there are no services scheduled. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Cancer Services in Midland or Disabled American Veterans. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Directors. https://www.wswfh.com/obituaries/Ralph-William-Linley?obId=8713029
