Ralph Schnell
Ralph J. Schnell, 88, of North Washington, died Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Sergeant Joseph George Kusick VA Community Living Center in Butler, whose tender, loving care was much appreciated by his family.
Ralph was born on Sept. 9, 1935, at his family’s home in Bruin. He was the sixth child of the late Josiah N. and Minnie (Sumney) Schnell, whose family later grew to 11 children.
Ralph was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the United States and Korea from 1958 to 1960. He had worked at Witco Chemical for 43 years, retiring in 1997. Ralph loved walking the hills and woods behind his home, the Clearview Mall, or the rodeo grounds with his wife and dogs through the years. The dog he had at the time was always the best dog he ever had. He also loved to tinker in his garage welding and running his metal lathe.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Wilma O. Daubenspeck Schnell, whom he married on July 18, 1960, in Bruin; his son, Thomas J. Schnell and his wife, Judith, of West Sunbury; one grandson, Eli Schnell of West Sunbury; two stepgrandsons, Michael Devinney and his wife, Ofek, of North Carolina and Elliot Devinney of Cranberry; one stepgranddaughter, Katelynn Devinney, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and four stepgreat-grandchildren of North Carolina. He is also survived by two sisters, Maxine Craig of Chicora and Mary (Doyle) Maurhoff of North Washington; three brothers and their wives, Lee and Sara Schnell of Karns City, Jim and Ruth Schnell of Chicora and Dennis and Marjorie Schnell of Georgia; one sister-in-law, Judy Schnell of Karns City; along with a number of nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and his best dog ever, Buddy.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by three brothers, Earl, Dean and his wife, Peg, and Larry “Pete” Schnell; and two sisters, Clara and her husband, Jim Edmonds, and Helen and her husband, Bob Stewart; along with other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
SCHNELL — Private burial services for Ralph J. Schnell, who died Monday, July 22, 2024, were held for the family at North Washington Cemetery.
The Young family of WILLIAM F. YOUNG FUNERAL HOME, West Sunbury, assisted the Schnell family with arrangements.
If desired, online condolences may be sent to www.williamfyoungfh.com.
Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.
