Ralph Lee LeRiche

Ralph Lee LeRiche, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024, in Huntsville, Alabama, surrounded by his loving wife, daughter, and 3 granddaughters. He was born on November 5, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, where his journey through life began.

Ralph was a man of many talents and had an unwavering work ethic. He owned and operated his own auto muffler and pipe shop, a testament to his dedication and craftsmanship, until he retired at the age of 64.  He wore many hats, figuratively and literally. In the figuratively sense, he was a mechanic, house builder, plumber, electrician, among other things. In the literal sense, he loved to wear different kinds of funny hats, including one with a huge fish on it, that’s right, a fish. His hardworking nature was rivaled only by his vibrant spirit.

Known for his wonderful and wacky sense of humor, Ralph had a knack for making people laugh. He found immense happiness in the simple pleasures of life—whether it was cutting or watering his grass, he always found joy in nature. Ralph was ever-curious, frequently embarking on adventures exploring wooded islands in the Gulf of Mexico, old, abandoned buildings and metal detecting in search of buried treasures. He had an adventurous spirit to say the least. He enjoyed fishing, often relishing the peacefulness these outings provided. He also loved working on puzzles at the dining room table, stimulating his mind while enjoying listening to newsmax from the tv in the background. 

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Lois LeRiche; his son, Eric LeRiche (Victoria); his daughter, Joyce Karl (Ron); his grandchildren, Alyssa (Will), Allison (AJ), Kyle, Sarah, Katelin, Emma, Sean, and Tyler; his great-grandchildren, Luke, Olivia, and Adaline; and his siblings, Kathie Teague, Sandy Clute, Gary LeRiche, Ricky LeRiche, and Kitty Haselkamp. Though his parents, Ida LeRiche, and Alfonse and step-mother Mary LeRiche, have preceded him in death, their memory continues to live on through the lives Ralph touched.

Ralph accepted the Lord as his personal savior on June 26, 1977. He was a member of Madison Baptist church, where he enjoyed worship and fellowship with other believers, many of whom he became very close friends with. 

As we gather to remember Ralph, we celebrate not only his life but also the impact he made in our hearts-especially near the end. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for his laughter, love, and spirit. May his legacy of humor and adventure continue to inspire all those who knew him.