Ralph Harding Obituary

Ralph E. Harding

Ralph Eugene "Gene" Harding, 91, of Tiffin, passed away at 5:25 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at The Willows at Tiffin.

He was born Dec. 7, 1931, to Ralph Lester and Grace Louise (Ziegler) Harding. He married Alice Mae Crum on May 3, 1952.

Gene's survivors include his daughters, Paula (Glenn) Burgderfer of Tiffin, Sandra (Jeff) Underwood of New Riegel, and Lisa Felton of Tiffin; seven grandchildren, Sara Riesen, Alicia Weininger, Stacie (Eric) Routzahn, Andrea Hines, Adam (Megan) Weininger, Sam (Melissa) Arnold, and Phylisa (Tim) Gill; 15 great-grandchildren, Braden, Jace, Cole, Caleigh, Corrine, Ava, Ariana, Wyatt, Chloe, Conne, Brooklynn, Zeddi, Tobin, Reagan, Samson, and expecting baby Gill; and sisters, Carolyn Brown and Sharon (Richard) Shaffer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Mae; parents; brother, Charles Harding; and grandson-in-law, Luke Riesen.

He graduated from Melmore High School and proudly served two years in U.S. Army during the Korean War. Gene retired from working full-time at Ameriwood. He enjoyed working on his farm and raising livestock. Throughout his lifetime, he worked at Mennel Milling, GE, Sterling Abrasive, Moor-Man Feed, and tested milk. He was a member of Washington Street United Methodist Church where he was a lay leader, Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir, and was very active as a leader in the church, providing sermons on occasions to various area churches. He also was an active member of Mansfield District as a lay leader. Gene loved spending time with his family and all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but most of all, with the love of his life, wife Alice Mae. He was a loving caregiver to his wife before her passing. Family was very important to Gene and he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Gene had a magnetic personality that drew people to him and had a great sense of humor. He would strike up a conversation with people he met finding some connection. Everyone that met him loved him.

A private family service will take place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 75 N. Sandusky St., Tiffin, Ohio, 44883.

A very special thank you to The Willows staff for their exceptional care and professionalism.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.