Robert D. Ralston, 52, of Volant died at 8:45 a.m. Thursday at Jameson Memorial Hospital, New Castle.

He was born on May 7, 1955, in Grove City to the late George Ralston and Florence M. Hilger.

He was a heavy equipment operator.

Mr. Ralston attended Slippery Rock School. He loved hunting, NASCAR, football, and four wheeling. He was a Methodist.

He is survived by his wife, Helen L. Knight Ralston, who he married on Aug. 16, 1991; a son, Dayne Ralston and his wife, Courtney, and their two daughters of Grove City; a stepson, Jim Johnson and his two sons of Volant; a brother, Gary Ralston Sr. of Las Cruces, N.M.; three nephews, GaryRalston Jr., and Randall and Greg Ralston; and four grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Patty Doerr Ralston, and a brother, Jerry Ralston.

<B>Ralston</B> — There will be no public visitation or services for Robert D. Ralston, who died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007. Arrangements are being handled by <B>Smith Funeral Home</B>, Slippery Rock.