Ralph Malone Wilson

Ralph Malone Wilson - 92 6/19/1917 - 1/15/2010

Mount Morris - Ralph Malone Wilson, 92, died Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, in his home. Born June 19, 1917, in Leaf River Township, Ogle County, the son of John Patterson and Alice Edna (Myers) Wilson. Married Esther E. Werkheiser on June 5, 1943, in Seward. Ralph's occupation consisted of a lifetime of farming as he never did retire. He was a graduate of Leaf River High school, Class of 1935. Memberships included Leaf River United Methodist Church; 75-year member of Leaf River Grange; Leaf River Lions Club; Antique Tractor Club and Fordson Tractor Club,; Ogle County Farm Bureau; and since 1956, he had been a member of the board of trustees of North Grove Christian Cemetery, Egan. Survived by his wife, Esther; children, Kevin (Patti) Wilson of Leaf River, Kay Wilson of Grinnell, Iowa., and Marcia (Dennis) Morrissey of Bloomington; grandchildren, Sara Croft of Long Beach, Calif., Peter (Cathy) Croft of St. Joseph, Dunavan Billups of Streator, Kristin Billups of Bloomington, Benjamin (Chris) Wilson of Leaf River, Carist (Mike) Koehl of Leaf River, Emmalee Wilson of Leaf River; great-grandchildren, Bethany, Payton, Wyatt, Hailey, Wade, Michael, Alexis and Daniel. Predeceased by his parents; brother, Paul Wilson; and sister, Lois Schroder. Service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, in Leaf River United Methodist Church, with visitation from 10 a.m. to service time; the Rev. Kent Svendsen will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials established to North Grove Christian Cemetery or Leaf River United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., Mount Morris. Visitation: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Leaf River United Methodist Church Service: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 11:00 a.m. Leaf River United Methodist Church