Ralph J. Ely

Ralph J. Ely, age 88, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away on July 7, 2011, at Bryan Care & Rehabilitation Center. Ralph was a member and ordained Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church in Bryan and a former member of the Chancel Choir. He Was a graduate of West Unity High School and International Business College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. After college he was employed by American Automobile Insurance Company in Detroit, Michigan. He was a U S Navy Veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Campaign in VP-23 PBY-5A “Black Cat” Squadron and was awarded the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement. After the war, he was an associate accountant and tax consultant with Edward L. Flinn in Bryan from 1946-1952. During that same time, he was elected the first Secretary-Treasurer and was a member of the Bryan Chamber of Commerce. Executing the Chamber’s needs in his office and instrumental in organizing the purchase of the farm that is now the Bryan Recreation Park. In 1952 he became owner and manager of Napoleon Furniture, Napoleon, Ohio. He owned and operated RJ Ely Wayside Furniture Store in Bryan from 1962 until his retirement in 1977. He was a charter member and former secretary of Bryan Lions Club, past member of Moose Lodge, Masons, Orchard Hills Country Club, Riverside Golf Club and member of the American Legion and Life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Ralph enjoyed gardening and sharing his produce with his neighbors. He loved fishing, golfing, hunting, and being at his lake cottage with his family and springer spaniel. He liked to sing and listen to music from the big band era. “Western” books were his favorites. Born September 6, 1922, at West Unity, Ohio, to Margaret (Jaquith) and Harry M. Ely. He married Jean J. Salsbury on May 5, 1946, in Bryan, and she survives. Surviving, in addition to his wife are two sons, Roger H. (Susan) Ely, of Raleigh, North Carolina, Jon R. (Lori) Ely, of Bryan and one daughter, Lorraine S.(Shawn) Zuver, of Findlay, Ohio, six grandchildren; Preston Ely, of Tampa, Florida, Johanna Ely, of Raleigh, North Carolina, Lauren Ely, of San Antonio, Texas, Megan (Jeremy) Hall, of Bryan; Malorie Ely, of Bryan,and Suzanne Zuver, of Findlay, Ohio, seven great-grandchildren; Tyler Ely, of Raleigh, North Carolina, Alexis, Taj and Lucia Gracie Colon, of San Antonio, Texas and Brayden, Jaclyn and Tamrik Hall, of Bryan. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son, Bradley J. Ely, a brother, Robert Ely, a sister, Harriet Angus and a great-granddaughter, Garcie Hall. Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2011, at 12:00 P.M. in the First Presbyterian Church, Bryan, with Pastor Barry Sweet to officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service beginning at 11 A.M. in the gathering area of the church. Krill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Private burial will be in Floral Grove Cemetery, West Unity with grave side military honors provided by Bryan VFW Post #2489. Memorials may be made to The First Presbyterian Church.