Ralph Showalter
Ralph Landis Showalter of Stuarts Draft, VA, age 90, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Augusta Health Shenandoah House. He was born on December 15, 1934, in Waynesboro, VA, to the late Ira Samuel Showalter and Edna Mae (Shank) Showalter.
Ralph is survived by his loving, dedicated wife of 68 years, Joyce E. (Swartz) Showalter; children, Darlene (Ron) Koblick of Stuarts Draft, VA, Nancy (Johnny) Stoll of Stuarts Draft, VA, and J.R. (Laura) Showalter of Crozet, VA; grandchildren, Tara (Ethan) Wall, Ben (fiancée, Kerry Scannell) Stoll, Zachary Showalter, and Chandler (fiancée, Samantha Hart) Showalter; sister-in-law, Ann (Leonard) Showalter; honorary granddaughter Shannon (Anthony) Eshleman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by siblings, Marjorie (Aaron) Shank, Winfred (Mildred, Eloise) Showalter, W. Milton (Mary Ellen) Showalter, Lois (Paul) Herr, Dorothy (Walter Newswanger, Aaron) Shank, Leonard (Ann) Showalter, and Shirley (R. Herbert) Minnich; and great-grandson, Jericho Lee Wall.
Ralph spent the majority of his career as a skilled brick and block mason, working throughout Florida and Virginia, following earlier positions at the GE and Crompton factories. He approached his work with dedication and integrity, the same qualities that also defined his long-standing membership at Springdale Mennonite Church.
Beyond his professional life, Ralph found joy in many pastimes, including softball, bowling, fishing, horseshoes, and golf. He possessed a beautiful tenor voice and a love of singing. Known for his ingenuity, he often devised creative solutions to challenges, even going so far as to invent the tools he lacked. His servant’s heart was evident in his willingness to assist with any task, no matter how large or small. Devoted to his family, he worked tirelessly to provide for them, was always ready to drive his children to work or activities, and was never too tired to “play a little bit of ball.”
The family would like to express a special thank-you to Bruce and Sandi Swartz for the love and attention they’ve shown during Ralph’s extended illness. Thanks, also, to personal caregivers Teresa, Sandra, and Vickey; Chaplain Stephen Henderson; the Springdale Mennonite Church family; and caregivers from Augusta Home Health, Palliative Care, Hospice Care, and the Shenandoah House.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Springdale Mennonite Church, 170 Hall School Road, Waynesboro, Virginia, 22980, on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Bruce Swartz officiating. A private burial service will take place in the Springdale Mennonite Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springdale Mennonite Church, Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, or Augusta Health Shenandoah House.
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Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville, is serving the family.
