Ralston, Richard “Dick” L.

ralston, dick767Richard “Dick” Leslie Ralston, 84, of Galesburg, died at 4:03 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital, Galesburg.

Dick was born December 2, 1930 in Galesburg, the son of Clinton “Les” Leslie and Alice Elizabeth Enderlin Ralston.  Dick graduated from Alexis High School in 1949.  He married Rose Catherine McVeigh on June 22, 1957 in Viola, IL.  Dick is survived by two daughters, Teresa A. (Kevin) Wake of Cedar Rapids, IA and Bridget C. (Scott) Lake of Rio; and one son, Matthew Richard Ralston of Galesburg.  He is also survived by three grandchildren, Ella Rose Wake, Austin T. Wake, and Garrett S. Lake.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose on November 2, 1997 and one brother, John in 1982.

Dick owned and operated Ralston-Hanna Garden Center with Paul Hanna until 1989.  He then operated Ralston Garden Center until his retirement in 2002.  Dick was an active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church including serving on the parish council and working on various other projects at the church.  He was an active community member, serving on the Galesburg Tree Commission and was a board member at KCCDD for many years.  Dick was a longtime member of Knights of Columbus Council 556, Galesburg.  He had an am radio talk show for many years, having stints with Jack Larson and Eddie Gale.  In his free time, Dick loved to read and tend to the gardens at home.  He also loved getting phone calls from people about gardening.

The rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2015 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, visitation will follow from 4-7 p.m.   Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2015 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  Rev. William T. Miller, IC will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Viola, Illinois.  Memorials may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church or to the American Cancer Society.  Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

 

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