Major Ralph S. Michaels

Major Ralph S. Michaels, 75, a native of Altoona, PA died Monday, March 23, 2009, at his home in Georgetown, Kentucky. He had been in declining health over the past year.

Ralph, along with his wife Mattie, have been Salvation Army Officers for almost 55 years, serving in Ohio, New York, Kentucky and Massachusetts. They retired in 1999 from Dayton, Ohio. Even in retirement, they were active in their church work. Ralph has been a faithful Servant to the Lord all his life. There are many people who have been blessed by his love and ministry. He was a Kentucky Colonel and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mattie; son, Ralph 'Bud' Michaels of Lexington, KY.; daughters, Jan Michaels of Lexington, KY. and Jane (Eric) Fiessinger of Middletown; sisters, Betty Jeirles of Lock Haven, PA., Edith Hayes of New Castle, DE, Beatrice Hoffman of St. Petersburg, FL, Major Ruby (Norman) Zanders of Surfside Beach, SC, and Cora Brantner, Della 'Tiny' Michaels, and Phyllis (David) Raymer all of Pinellas Park, FL; three grandchildren, Erica, Matthew & Gregory Fiessinger; and many nieces & nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Evangeline Michaels; sisters, Dorothy, Frances & Myrtle; and brothers, Harry & Dennis.

Funeral Service will be held Friday, March 27, 2009 at 10:00 am at WILSON-SCHRAMM-SPAULDING FUNERAL HOME, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown with Lt. Colonel Joseph E. Bassett and Major Norman Zanders officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the African Children's Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 420445, Middletown, Ohio 45042.

Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044