Ralph Edward West

December 18, 1924 - February 16, 2014

Age 89, passed away on February 16, 2014 at his home. He was born on December 18, 1924 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Arthel and Nellie (Smith) West. On June 18, 1949 in Ann Arbor, he married Marilyn Hitchingham. Ralph was a proud member of the United States Army and served during WW-II. Ralph was also a proud, lifetime member of Graf-O'Hara VFW post 423, where he served as the Commander from 1998 - 2002. He loved fishing, and camping, and he loved to go hunting, and he and his wife even traveled to all of the continental states. Ralph is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 64 years. He is also survived by his children: Alan (Robin) West, Robert (Mary Beth) West, Jill (Richard) Grim, Kathy (Pete) Zill, Steven (Lori) West, and Thomas West. Other survivors include sixteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, brothers Roger (Ruth) and Gerald West, and a sister Ethel Fritts. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harold and Duane West, sister-in-law Phyllis West, sister-in-law Lois West, brother-in-law, Harold Fritts, granddaughter Megan Elizabeth, and grandson Jacob Edward. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline, MI, with Commander Horace Frazier, officiating. Military honors will be held under the auspices of the Washtenaw County Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will take place at the Oakwood Cemetery in Saline, MI on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Graf-O’Hara VFW Post #423. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home where friends may begin calling on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 1:00 P.M. To sign Ralph’s guestbook, to leave a memory or for more information or directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.