Ralph Mattes

Ralph Mattes, 100, of Perrysburg, passed away peacefully, Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Otterbein Portage Valley surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was born September 27, 1924 in Toledo, Ohio to Henry and Bertha (Bowman) Mattes. He married Margaret Gilligan on May 7, 1949 and they shared 53 years together until she passed on August 19, 2002.

Ralph worked for Libbey Owens Ford. He was a member since 1955 of The First Presbyterian Church in Maumee where he was a deacon, an elder and would often take communion to the homebound. Ralph was a past Master of Northern Light Lodge #40 F.A.M. and past Patron of Triune Chapter O.E.S #344. Ralph had a zest for life, was never short on words, and attributed his long life to potato chips, wine, and an aspirin a day. He was affectionally known as Papa, Old Folkie, Papi, and Bompy to his grandchildren. Ralph enjoyed riding his bike, but at the age of 90 decided to retire his bike.

He is survived by his daughters; Linda Shaw and Susan Fejes; grandchildren, Julie (Mark) Nye, Melissa Fejes, Christina (Dave) Guinsler, Stephen (DeAnn Loster) Fejes and Matthew (Samantha) Fejes; great grandchildren, Gavin, Nikolas, Caden, Elizabeth, Dane, Kendall, Michael and Cooper; and nieces and nephews. Along with his wife, Margaret, he was preceded in death by his parents; sons-in-law, Thomas Shaw and Mike Fejes and siblings, Kenneth, Lucille and Harold.

Friends and family will be received from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, Ohio where funeral services will be begin at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of NW Ohio. Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.