Ralph W. Tipple, Jr.

Pastor Ralph W. Tipple passed into the waiting arms of our Lord on April 20, 2012, with his loving wife of 59 years at his side. Born to Ralph and Hazel Tipple on September 28, 1928 in Toledo, Ohio, Ralph was the second oldest of their seven children. Ralph earned his degree in theology from Malone College in Ohio in 1953. Two years later he loaded all his earthly possessions into a U-Haul trailer and headed west with Lois and his year old son to accept a three-church assignment with the Evangelical United Brethren Church at Kings Valley, Pedee, and Summit, Oregon. While serving those churches he completed the conference course of study and was ordained an elder in the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church at Jennings Lodge, Oregon in June 1959. Post-graduate work was done during several summers at the renown Durham University in England and St. Deiniol’s Library in Hawarden, North Wales. Subsequently he pastored churches in Walla Walla and Tieton, Washington. A 29-year Spokane resident, he retired from Fowler United Methodist Church in 1999 after 45 years in full-time service to God. He is remembered for his pastor’s heart, skillfully delivered sermons, and the impact his Bible studies had on the lives of many. Ralph loved to travel and led many tours overseas to the Holy Land, China, Europe, and Great Britain. He was a great woodworker and enjoyed refinishing antique furniture and restoring his old home. An interest in cooking began early in life and he became a gourmet cook, always willing to share his knowledge and his cheese cake. A life-long learner, he was an avid reader who became knowledgeable about many subjects. Yard work, a garden (so he could share the produce) and caring for the roses gave him much enjoyment. In younger years hunting, fishing, and sports were regular activities. Though he left Ohio in 1955 he never lost his love for Ohio State Buckeyes. His greatest love, though, was his family with holiday gatherings being the highlights. His wife, Lois, survives Ralph along with sons Ralph (Camille) of Tyler, Texas, Brian of Seattle, Washington, and daughters Phyllis Schlosser and Patricia (Jeff) Heimbigner of Spokane, grandchildren Nichole, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Jacob, Annie, Jeremy and great-granddaughters Jolene and Holly. Also surviving are brother Gene (MI), Sisters Barbara Siders and Audrey Rupp (GA) and Carol Kristenak (OH) and nieces and nephews. Preceding Ralph in death are his parents, sisters Patsy and Doris, and brother Paul. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 23 from 12:00 Noon – 8:00 PM and Tuesday, April 24 from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, 4305 N. DIVISION, SPOKANE, WA. A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Riverside Memorial Park followed by a celebration of Ralph’s life at 1:00 PM at Fowler United Methodist Church, 3928 N. Howard St. Spokane. Memorials can be made to Fowler United Methodist Church and Hospice of Spokane.