Dennis Fredrick “Denny” Ralston, 66, of Edwards, passed away at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. In celebration of Denny’s life, a good old-fashioned Irish Wake and potluck dinner will be from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at the Kickapoo Sportsman’s Club. Denny was born in Monmouth on December 4, 1945, the son of Fred and Mary (Kapas) Ralston. His father preceded him in death. He married Beverly Marie Murphy on May 25, 1968 at the First United Methodist Church in Peoria. She survives. He is also survived by his mother, Mary Ralston and her special friend Charlie Roberts of Peoria; daughters, Dina Marie (Brad) Baird of Berthoud, CO and Dani Marie (Brian) Butterfield of Edwards; sister, Virginia “Ginger” (Kent “Jack”) Negley of Dunlap; grandsons, Ryan Ralston and Duncan Butterfield of Edwards and Sam Baird of Berthoud; granddaughter, Faith Marie Baird of Berthoud; “brother”, Rick (Debbie) Wolf of Bartonville; mother-in-law, LaVonne Murphy of Peoria; and his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and many close friends. Denny formerly served and was a sharpshooter in the U.S. Army Reserves and was a member of the American Legion in Bartonville. He was a proud member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 55 and retired in 2003, after forty years of service. He was employed as an elevator mechanic and was elected and served as their Business Agent and Financial Secretary for a period of time. He was affectionately referred to as “Boss Hog.” Denny was a member of the Kickapoo Sportsman’s Club and the “morning coffee club.” He loved animals, was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed mushroom hunting and spending time on his 80 acres. He was a great wine and horseradish maker and a great cook, known for his fried chicken. He loved cooking for family, friends and gatherings. He had a heart for helping others, was a man of principles and common sense and always called a spade a spade. He loved to play practical jokes and had a great sense of humor. Most importantly, Denny loved his wife and best friend Bev, daughters, grandchildren, extended family and friends. Uncle Dinky, Papa, Dad and Denny, you will be greatly missed. Denny joked, “in lieu of flowers, you can pay my bar tab.” Since he currently has no bar tab, Bev requests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue in Peoria.
| Mickie Wenger |
"Baby Visit" |
March 1, 2012 |
I've known Denny for a long time. I'm thinking I was only around 11 or 12 when Bev and Denny got married. There are two times that especially stand out with me concerning my brother-in-law. One was when Dina was born. She was so teeny tiny. I wanted to hold her sooo bad. Denny encouraged Bev and my mom to let me as long as I sat down with her. The other time was when Scott was born. He took the time to come over to our home after work one evening to check on me and the baby. He wanted to see Scott and he wanted to know how I was doing. Both of these situations showed his love for me and he knew I loved him too.
Whether it's tomorrow or years from now, I'm always going to remember Denny's smile and his laughter. Brother, we love you and you are going to be missed.
Mickie Wenger
| John Harris |
"Just try it." |
March 1, 2012 |
"Just try it." I don't know how many times I heard that while Uncle Denny was handing me something while not saying what it was. Often it was something delicious in either food or drink form. Sometimes it was pickled Rocky Mountain Oysters (followed by his chuckle and grin as I choked it down). And if it was a drink, you'd probably end up with a headache if you drank too much of it. Uncle Denny was always testing some new recipe.
I have a lot of memories of Uncle Denny and all of them make me smile. But the times that meant the most to me, and in many ways still influence the person I am today, are the times we went hunting. I'd spend the night with Aunt Bev and Uncle Denny. We'd make popcorn and watch a movie. I remember there always being popcorn left over when we got up the next morning to go hunting; I still hunger for that popcorn after the butter had all night to soak in. In the dark of morning, we'd bump along the road in his old truck listening to country music. I remember his patience as he taught me to hunt. Sometimes we'd head in for cheeseburgers at the bar for lunch.
One winter day we went deer hunting at a property up the road. It had snowed the night before and the ground and trees were covered in a white blanket. He sent me out to a deer stand for the afternoon hunt. The only tracks around were mine coming around a tree line and straight to a tree with a great view of the rolling field. After a couple of hours, just as I was starting to get cold, snow started falling with the afternoon sun at just the right angle. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. While I never saw a deer that day, it was a transitive moment for me when I realized and appreciated the power, the peace, the comfort of nature.
Thank you Uncle Denny.
| Dina |
Bunny Suit |
February 29, 2012 |
Everyone in the family remembers the bunny suit!
| rita hess |
Bev |
March 6, 2012 |
So there you were, that beautiful dark haired, big sparkely eyed little girl on Antoinette st. then there you were, wisked off to a new life with with Denny and a family of your own. Now here you are, that beautiful young widow. Keep the sparkle in your eyes as you look up to the sky and find the new star that is there watching over you and your family. He is resting in peace knowing that he has left "a job well done"
With deepest sympathy and love, Rita H.
| Sheila & Bill Day |
To Bev and Family |
March 6, 2012 |
Bev and Family:
We were very surprised and saddened by the passing of Dennis.
I was a classmate in the graduating class of Abingdon 1964
with Dennis.
My husband and I also hosted some of the class reunions at our house here in Abingdon. You may remember us from one of those.
Remember all your good times you have had with Dennis and your girls--the memories will now become treasures.
My thoughts are with you,
Sheila Day
| Uncle Mel & Aunt Brenda |
Dear Dani, |
March 4, 2012 |
We are so very sorry we could not be with you and your family for Denny's celebration. We are especially sorry that until we can see you our hugs have to come in the form of an email. We embrace you and please extend our thoughts and prayers to your mother and sister and grandmother. Your dad leaves each and every one of you with such wonderful memories and sustainable strength. Cherish the memories and rely on the strength. Love you!!
| bill koenig |
bev and family |
March 3, 2012 |
i met denny at caterpillar.we became friends and had some great times.it is so sad he was called so early.he was a great guy.rip denny.
| Margaret Armstrong-Weybright |
Friend |
March 2, 2012 |
My most sincere sympathy to you Ginger and your family and of course to Denny's family too. I remember Denny as your little brother when you went to good old AHS.
