Obituary of Ralph Prayther

Ralph Larkin Prayther January 18, 1947 - May 5, 2015 Ralph Larkin Prayther was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on January 18, 1947. He was one of four children born from the union of the Waverley and Virl Virginia (Hyman) Prayther. Ralph married the love of his life Barbara Prayther on October 15, 1966 at Christ Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio. They raised two daughters. Ralph was a very proud man and loved taking care of his family. He worked hard to support his family as a Laborer for over thirty years for Hoover and Wells, installing Epoxy Floors. Ralph was a retired from the Laborers Local 500, out of Toledo, and a member of the Ohio Conference of Plasterers and Cement Masons. Ralph enjoyed spending free time playing poker with family and friends. He and his family would often spend the day out on the boat, fishing on the lake. He also had a fond love for classic cars and going to car shows. He also enjoyed going to his trailer in Irish Hills, Michigan. Ralph Larkin Prayther, age 68, of Luna Pier passed away at 8:06 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 surrounded by his loving family at his home. In addition to his father, his passing was preceded by two sisters: Sybil Carter and Vicki Witfoth. To cherish his memory, Ralph leaves his loving wife of forty-eight years: Barbara of Luna Pier; his mother: Virl of Luna Pier; two daughters: Jacqueline Meyer of Luna Pier and Danielle (Matthew) of Lambertville; a brother: Roger Prayther of Erie; four grandchildren: Melissa (Charles) Bondie of Erie, Jennifer (Patrick) Smith of Luna Pier, Tabathia Swanson of Luna Pier, and Zachary Gentry of Lambertville. No public services have been planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service; Erie, 9156 Summit Street, Erie (734)848-5185. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Cancer Foundation. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.