RALPH ARTHERTON

May 3, 1922 - June 16, 2009

Ralph James Artherton passed away on June 16, 2009, in Green Valley.

Full military honors will be given by American Legion Post 66 on June 23 at 10 a.m. at the Green Valley Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on June 23 at Valley Presbyterian Church. Reception to follow.

Ralph is survived by Mary Artherton, his beloved wife of 54 years; and his two daughters Claudia Senior and Laura Givens. He is also survived by three grandchildren Amanda Sedillo and David and Sara Senior. He is also survived by siblings James, Paul, Joanne and Jean.

Ralph was born and raised in Omaha, Neb. He served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army during WWII with the 240th Civil Engineers (New Guinea and Philippines). He also served with the U.S. Marines during the Korean War.

In 1960, he started Economy Glass, Inc. in Scottsbluff, Neb. When he sold this very successful corporation in 1979, Ralph owned four Economy Glass businesses in Nebraska and Wyoming.

After retiring to Green Valley, Ralph started with Green Valley Rec as a maintenance supervisor. He loved fixing things and to get paid to fix things was a job to cherish.

Ralph did a lot of volunteer work in Green Valley - he was the “fix-it” guy at the Titan Missile Museum, he built bird cages at the Wildlife Sanctuary, he volunteered at the White Elephant, and he umpired for the Little League in Sahuarita, just to name a few.

Ralph was involved with many religious, fraternal, charitable and community organizations, some of which include Valley Presbyterian Church, VFW, American Legion and the ELKs.

Ralph loved sports. He played baseball in high school; boxed in the Marines; played, coached, umpired and sponsored many softball teams; he bowled through his 80’s.

Ralph was an avid fisherman. He loved all kinds of fishing - fly, troll, deep-sea, ice, stream and lake. He and his fishing buddies owned a bait and tackle shop in Nebraska.

Ralph had a passion for animals, raising award-winning pigeons, rabbits and chinchillas.

Ralph’s last hobby, the engraving shop, which continued up until two months before his passing. He loved making name badges and plaques. Many organizations in the Green Valley area had him make badges. Ralph never intended to make money, it was just a hobby, charging only what his costs were. It was his little secret and was his way of giving back to the community. In his honor, please wear any badges that Ralph made for you to the services - it would have brought a smile to his face.

His family would like to suggest donations in his name be given to your favorite charity or a veterans organization. Your condolences and personal stories may be shared with the family at ralphartherton@rocketmail.com.