Ralph Griffith

Ralph Griffith, 96, of Surprise, Ariz., formerly of Cobden, died, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2020. He was born Sept. 5, 1923 in Cobden, the son of Ralph W. and Emma (Benham) Griffith. He married Bertha Elizabeth Davis in Dec. of 1945 in Anna. She preceded him in death.

Ralph is survived by his children, William R. (Palma) Griffith of Bradenton, Fla. and Roger B. (Laura M.) Griffith of Dundee; grandchildren, Tyler Griffith, Nathan (Andrea) Griffith, Ryan (Jori) Griffith, Kevin (Jenny) Griffith, and Brian (Beth) Griffith; eight great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bertha Elizabeth Griffith; and sister, Ava Barbara Childers.

Ralph was a rural mail carrier for 35 years. He owned and operated an apple and flower farm around the Cobden area. He was awarded two patents for varieties of apples that he developed and grew, one of which was the Blushing Golden in 1968.

Ralph was an amateur artist and enjoyed his time creating his work. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, at the Cobden Cemetery with Rev. Dan Whitfield officiating. All those attending, are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard Military Honors Team of Marion.

 To view the obituary and leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.