Ralph Lee Spliethof

Ralph Lee Spliethof of Selma died Tuesday Nov. 19, 2013, at RVMC in Medford after a short bout with lung cancer. He was undergoing lung surgery at the time of death. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday Nov. 30, 2013 at 11 AM at The First Baptist Church of Selma with Pastor Monty Pope officiating. Stephens Family Chapel is in charge of arrangements. A brief grave-side service will follow. Ralph was born in Roseburg, Or. on Aug. 29, 1944, the seventh of eight children to Andy W. & Bonita (Wilson) Spliethof, but lived most of his life in Selma. Ralph married Vicki Jo Pearce on Nov. 5, 1961 in Grants Pass. They had 5 children. He later married Opal B. Wyatt April 23, 1977 at Lake Selmac in Selma thus adding 5 more children to the family. Ralph was a mill worker in Oakridge, Or. in the late 60's to 70's. Upon returning to Selma he managed Kerby Landfill for over 10 years. Most of his customers lovingly referred to him as "Filthy Beast" due to a hat he wore. After retirement he spoiled his grandchildren with pride, then on to his great-grandchildren, taking them on rides in his golf cart and loving every minute. He loved co-hosting Family Reunions with his siblings, with 150-200 family members present. He would entertain the family with his singing & guitar playing with others joining in. The reunion would always end with an auction and Ralph entertaining all with his auctioneering skills to fund the next reunion. The outdoors was a favorite of Ralph's looking forward each year to hunting seasons with the family & friends. The hunting camps would number about 40-50 family members with potlucks and more singing & guitar playing around the campfire. His last big moment was being in the Labor Day Parade in Cave Junction in Sept. while driving his pride & joy "Big Red" a 1964 Ford Pick-up that had been in the family for 49 years. With help from family in decorating he brought home the 1st place medallion in classic car category. It definitely was "The pride of the Spliethof Family in the Illinois Valley." In addition to his wife Opal, he leaves behind 9 children. Lori, Lynda, & Shon of Selma, Betty & Justin of Grants Pass, Andy of Medford, Henry of Nehalem Or., Amy & Patrick of Cave Junction. Also 4 sisters: Lois & Linda of Selma, Edith of Myrtle Crk. And Lou of Arizona. Twenty-three grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were both his parents, father-in-law, one child Kenneth, one grand-daughter Leanda, one sister Evelyn and two brothers, Andy and Tex. By request of Ralph, please, a potted plant or a single rose, no flower arrangements.

Service Information

Saturday, November 30th, 2013 11:00am, First Baptist Church (Selma, Oregon)

Interment Details

Deer Creek Cemetery