Ralph passed on Easter morning and our goodbyes are with the solar eclipse.
Ralph just celebrated his 96th year. Born in Abilene, March 21, 1928 to Vernon and Ozetta (Shetron) Viola. The middle of 5 children. If you see a Viola store due bill coin, that is Ralph at age 5 printed on it. As a young teen, he delivered telegrams and once delivered birthday greetings from President Roosevelt to Eisenhower’s mother. He was treasurer of his 1948 Abilene class. Graduating from Kansas State University, he later earned his Master’s in Business. Ralph retired from Boeing after 45+ years.
Ralph met wife Marian Nagely in college when she asked him to a Sadie Hawkins dance. They started their adventures together in May 1950. Enjoying 53 years traveling, living in 5 states, 5 years in Tehran, Iran, 2 years in Montreal. Traveled through all 50 states, all Canadian Provinces, 34 countries and US territories. After Marian’s death in 2003. Ralph returned to Abilene and married Avis (Clark) Wells. Introducing her travel for 10 years until her death in 2013. He crossed the equator, the Arctic Circle, drove thru Alaska-Cascade Hwy, made a trip around the world and flew on 45+ air carriers. He parachuted, went up in air balloons, helicopters and multiple different aircraft. Ralph served in the Army and the Air Force, retiring as a Major. He achieved his pilot’s license. Was a member of several air museums and supported Abilene Aviation. Owner of 2 airplanes, his joy was his L2, Taylor Craft. A cloth covered prop plane. He helped restore and display FIFI, a WWII B29 Bomber. Ralph loved life, taking an interest in all it had to offer.
Generous to a fault, he never understood why anyone would not do a kindness when they had the opportunity. Stubborn, independent and much loved.
Proceeded in death by his brothers Vern, Bob, Don and sister Ilene (Favand). Survived by his children Ralph Viola, Cindy (Dainard), Toni and husband David (Pearson). Grandchildren Jeasen and Anji Viola, Samuel, wife Amy, and Meriah Dainard, Laura and Anna Pearson. All of Washington State.
Services will be Monday, April 8, 10:30 a.m. at 1st Southern Baptist Church, 1400 Mulberry St in Abilene. Visitation will be Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene.
Memorials may be made thru Martin-Becker-Carlson to the 4H, Abilene Airport, Mt Pleasant Presbyterian, Abilene Historical Museum, The Arts Council, Neighbor to Neighbor, The Great Plains Theatre or the Community Foundation of Dickinson County.