Griffith

Ralph William Griffith, 79, of Shelby, Ohio, died Monday afternoon at Med Central Shelby Hospital after a long illness.

Born April 17, 1927, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of William Ralph and Elizabeth Regina Reimenschneider Griffith.

He was a World War II Navy and achieved the rank of seaman first class.

Mr. Griffith was a retired salesman.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the American Legion O'Brien Post 326, both in Shelby.

His hobbies included fishing, sports and cars. He was a NASCAR enthusiast and will be remembered as a storyteller.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Joan Waldenmyer Griffith, whom he married Aug. 19, 1947; three daughters, Nancy Griffith, Darlene Ingram and Marlene Burkhalter, all of Shelby; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A sister, Alta Campbell of Huntington Beach, Calif.; a sister-in-law, and brother-in-law also survive.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, a brother, and a sister.

<B>GRIFFITH </B>— At the request of Ralph William Griffith, who died Monday, May 1, 2006, his family will celebrate his life with a private service with the Rev. James Smith officiating.Arrangements are being handled by the <B>Turner Funeral Home</B>, Shelby, Ohio.Memorial expressions may be made to the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute or First Presbyterian Church, c/o Turner Funeral Home, 168 W. Main St., Shelby, OH 44875,E-mail condolences may be made to: turnerfuneralhome@neo.rr.com.