Ralph B. Whetstone

Ralph B. Whetstone, age 84, beloved husband, father, granddad, and great-granddad passed into eternal life on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at home. Ralph was born to Clinton and Fannie Whetstone in Defiance, OH on September 13, 1927. He was a veteran of the US Army and served during WWII. He met Zell Rice in Homer, Mi while in high school together, and they married on Jan. 25, 1951. They enjoyed 72 years together, 62 of those as husband and wife. He was a graduate of Albion College and a longtime member of Hope Lutheran Church. He was an executive at General Motors for over 35 years, retiring in 1987. He enjoyed participating in bowling and golf leagues at GM and bowled in the church league as well. He was a wonderful family man who loved to follow his childrens and grandchildrens activities and was always there to cheer them on. He loved to travel but his favorite trips were to Wiggins Lake, MI and Sunset Beach, NC, which he enjoyed every year with his entire family. Ralph and Zell also loved to watch University of Michigan football together. He will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, quick wit, and strength of character. He is survived by his loving family, which includes his wife, Zell; children, Greg Barb Whetstone, Tim Kim Whetstone, Beth David Spencer; grandchildren, Ben Irena Whetstone, Nick Chandra Perry Whetstone, Amanda Whetstone, Zachary Whetstone, Alex Alexa Sanders Spencer, Stephanie Spencer; great-grandchildren, Grant and Luke Whetstone. He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 sisters. Friends may visit the family on Thursday from 2-8 PM at the Walker Funeral Home 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd.. Visitation on Friday will be at Hope Lutheran Church from 10:00-11:00 AM with a service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Hope Lutheran Church 2210 Secor Rd. Toledo, OH 43606, Promedica Hospice 5200 Harroun Rd. Sylvania, OH 43560, or the American Lung Association PO Box 415 Sandusky, OH 44871-0415. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Donald Vogel, for his many years of loving care. Condolences may be sent to the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com