Ralph Wendell Noxsel, 85, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2022, at his home in Fairfield, Ohio. Surrounded by a house full of family, Ralph departed amidst singing, prayers, and love.
Born January 14, 1937, at his family home in Slocum Station, Ohio, Ralph arrived during the “37 Flood”. The third son of Arthur and Lima Noxsel, behind Ronald and Earl Ray (both deceased), he grew up during depression-era uncertainty doing farm chores. A bright and curious child, he was greatly influenced by his mother in her fervent faith, as she often read The Bible to him. But he was also full of mischief and nicknamed Rowdy Ralph by his Uncle Bob. Despite being diagnosed with a serious vision deficit at an early age, he performed well in school and demonstrated strong musical talent as a drummer in his high school band–East High School. Taught to be strong and proficient by his father, he took a job at Empire Detroit Steel in New Boston right out of high school. Despite his vision challenge, he held a perfect safety record and a strong reputation as a problem solver while reaching Master Millwright and Pipefitter qualifications.
He married Ramona, his sweetheart, in 1956, and they settled into their home in Countryside Village of Wheelersburg, Ohio in 1964–where they raised their four children. Having attended Porter Free Will Baptist Church as a child, he continued in his faithful service and membership–along with his family, until moving to Fairfield. A loving husband and father with a can-do spirit and a reverent faith, he loved to sing, laugh and play, as he was beloved and regarded by his family and friends.
A New Deal / Union Man, Ralph held strong beliefs of good citizenry, as the rights, dignity, and value of the common man and woman went to his core.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Ramona; four children, (Doug and wife, Jennifer, Kendall and partner, Jolie, Dan and wife, Sue, and Janie and husband), Mike; twelve grandchildren (Luke, Nathan, Julianne, Matthew, Pete, Jacob, Diego, Ben, Will, Josh, Wes, Eli) and four great-grandchildren (Malachi, June, Nate, Nora) with two on the way.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 26 at D.W. Swick Funeral Home, 11901 Gallia Pike, Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694 (visitation 11 AM to 1 PM, service 1 PM). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Porter Freewill Baptist Church or the National Federation of the Blind in Ralph’s name. Online condolences may be left at www.DWSwickFuneralHome.com.