Ralph A. Niles Sr., 94, of La Porte, passed away on March 24, 2015 at Millers Health and Rehab in La Porte.
Ralph was born in Rockport, IN, on February 8, 1921 to Arthur and Maude (Frank) Niles.
Ralph graduated from Richland High School in Richland, IN, and from Lockyear's Business College in Evansville, IN.
Ralph worked at Servel in Evansville and then the Whirlpool Corporation in Evansville and La Porte. He represented Whirlpool in the Administrative Management Society. Ralph was on the board of the Whirlpool Federal Credit and then the Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union, serving as secretary for many years.
During WWII, he served in the 8th Air Force as a tail gunner with the 388th Bombardment Group in England. He was a member of the VFW in La Porte, and of the American Legion Post 83 where he served as past commander.
Ralph married, the love of his life, Bettye Doane Scherer on September 19, 1942, in Rockport, IN. They were very devoted to each other. They were married for seventy-two years and had two children, Ralph Jr. (deceased), and Connie.
Ralph loved to play golf and was treasurer of the Beechwood Men's Club for many years. Ralph also loved to bowl and still went to Casey Lanes to watch his daughter and other seniors bowl on Monday mornings. He was a good bowler. Ralph won trophies when he bowled in the Whirlpool Bowling League. Just a few years ago, he came in first place in single and doubles in the 8 pin no tap tournament for seniors at Casey Lanes. Everyone who met and talked to Ralph thought that he was a special person and loved him. He will be greatly missed.
Surviving are his loving wife, Bettye Niles of La Porte; daughter, Connie Niles of La Porte; grandchildren, Tina Clowers and William (Carol) Niles; great grandchildren, Bethany Baumgartner, Travis Clowers, Brice Niles, and Brandt Niles; great great grandchildren, Madelyn Farlie, Ethan Baumgartner, and Lydia Byers, all of La Porte.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ralph A. Niles, Jr.; sisters, Melba Niles, Eileen Falkenstein, Kathryn Tremper; and brother, William Niles.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 AM, Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Rev. Evan Lash officiating.
A time of visitation will be held on Monday, March 30, 2015 from 4-7 PM and also from 9 AM until the time of the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave, La Porte, IN 46350.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com