Ralph F. Lahmers

Ralph F. Lahmers, 87, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday, July 8, 2004, in New Dawn Retirement Community, Dover. Ralph had been ill since April.

Born October 15, 1916, on the family farm in York Township, Tuscarawas County, he was a son of the late Adam A. and Laura Kathryn Emig Lahmers. Ralph attended school in York Township and was a dairy farmer all of his life. He was a member and former deacon of Jerusalem Church, New Philadelphia. Ralph served as a York Township trustee for many years. He was a long-time school bus driver, and served on the board of directors of the local Landmark. Ralph enjoyed working with wood, often creating intricate decorative pieces. He loved his family and he loved to farm.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby O. Rosenberry Lahmers, whom he married January 27, 1934, in Wheeling, West Virginia; two daughters, Donna (Dean) Swaldo and Karen (Fred) Eichel, both of New Philadelphia; four granddaughters, Laura (Jim) Switzer, Deanna (Chris) Gundlah, Lisa (Hal) Wagoner and Michelle (Duane) Wood; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Oscar Lahmers.

A service celebrating Ralph�(TM)s life will be held Saturday, July 10, at 10 a.m., in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home, 246 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia, with Rev. Dr. Terry L. Downin officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Burial Park, New Philadelphia. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Friday (today), July 9, 6 �" 8 p.m., and Saturday, 9 �" 10 a.m. To sign the online register and share a fond memory of Ralph, please visit the funeral home�(TM)s Web site.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jerusalem Church Memorial Fund, 1417 Stonecreek Rd. S.W., New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

Toland-Herzig, New Philadelphia
330-343-8131
www.tolandherzig.com