Richard A. Ralston, age 87, of New Philadelphia, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021, in The Inn at Northwood Village at Dover following a period of declining health.

Born on August 3, 1933, in Wheeling, WV, Dick was a son of the late James A. Ralston and Norma Christoffersen Ralston.

He attended St. Clairsville public schools and began working at the age of 12 for the local news stand, Meeks News. He later worked 38 years for the Keebler Company as a manager and salesman in their North Ridgeville and Canton Districts. After retirement, he worked part-time as a serviceman for Frito Lay.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia and had previously been a member of the St. Clairsville Jaycees, Lions Club and Alumni Association, as well as the East Richland Friends Church and Canton First Friends Church.

Dick loved his family and greatly enjoyed supporting each of them as he attended many youth, high school and college football games, band competitions, school plays, dance recitals and little league baseball games. He also enjoyed woodworking, swimming, camping, horseback riding, and walking on the beach. He was an avid Cleveland Indians fan and a part-time Browns fan. He enjoyed watching Peyton Manning play for the Colts and Broncos and followed Troy Aikman’s career with the Cowboys.

Dick is survived by his wife of 32 years, Beth A. Sproul Ralston, whom he married October 1, 1988; three sons, Brad (CeCe) Ralston of Texas, Jeff (Trina) Ralston of Louisville, and Nathan Ralston of Columbus; three daughters, Sue (John) Reynolds of North Canton, Stacia (Thom) Nikolaidis of North Canton, and Crystal VanCuren of New Philadelphia; 10 grandchildren, Brandon and Alexis Ralston, Josh Reynolds, Janna (Dan) White, Corey Reynolds, Cara (Nate) Snitchler, Natasia (Gabe) Friel, Mikayla, Anastasia and Abrielle Nikolaidis. Completing the family are numerous special nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his granddog and best friend, Max.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by brothers, James A. Ralston Jr., Bruce D. Ralston and Donald K. Ralston.

The family will greet guests on Friday, March 5, 2021, from 1-2 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A celebration of Dick’s life will be led by his family in the funeral home’s chapel at 2 p.m.

At this time, the six-foot rule will be honored and all guests are required to wear a mask to enter the funeral home. For the safety of everyone, and to allow other guests to pay their respects, we politely ask that visitors not staying for the service promptly exit the building after greeting the family.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Dick by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.GeibCares.com.