Ralph Harry Plath

Ralph Harry Plath, age 95, of Toledo, Ohio, passed peacefully on August 31st at Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

 Ralph, a Toledo native, served as a Corporal in the Army during the Korean War. His career with the City of Toledo began in the Forestry Division, then the Division of Parks, retiring as a Supervisor. He was a long time active parishioner of St. Patrick’s of Heatherdowns.

Ralph and wife Marge began their long love story as sweethearts at Libby High School, then wrote letters to each other during his active military service. When they married, they constantly displayed an example of unconditional love and devotion to each other, their family, neighbors, and anyone lucky enough to call them friends. Together, they drove their spotless van everywhere, from picking up grandkids, to Amish country, to epic road trips across the country. Always with Ralph as the driver and Marge as the navigator.

Ralph loved gardening, nature, wood working, and especially his family. He planted and maintained the circular rose gardens at the Civic Center Mall in the 50’s and 60’s, which was featured on Toledo postcards from that era. He tended to his own tomato garden well into his 90s. He enjoyed fishing and taught his children and grandchildren how to explore the river. In later years, he liked watching the birds at the feeder through his window. He could fix nearly anything. In his garage workshop, he built furniture and decor which still reside in family homes. 

Ralph was a humble man, who was always generous in sharing his knowledge and skills. His loved ones will cherish what they’ve learned through his example. Over the years, Ralph and Marge enjoyed frequent visits with family, where he always was quick with a joke and delighted by homemade sweets. They rarely missed an opportunity to support their grandchildren’s interests. 

Ralph is survived by his children, Tim (Sue) Plath, Dan (Lani) Plath, and Lisa (Dennis) Dearth; grandchildren, Katie, Kelly, David (Lindsay), Shauna, Stuart, Hannah (Zach), Jacob, Ethan; and great-grandchild, Olivia. He is preceded in death by his parents Harry and Emily Plath, siblings, George and Reets, and wife of 69 years, Marge Plath.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. on Sunday, September 6th at 5 pm with a service following at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.