Ralph A. Edwards, U.S. Marine Corps Retired, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2008 at his home in Burlington, Washington at the age of 80 years. He was born on May 30, 1928 in Ellensburg, Washington to Don and Bessie Smyth Edwards.
Ralph grew up in Eastern Washington and later enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951, serving for 21 years as a gunnery sergeant and retiring in 1972 as a supply chief.
He was united in marriage to Pauline Griffburgh on May 1, 1959 in Berkeley, California. She preceded him in death in June of 1996.
After his discharge, Ralph resided in Santee, California operating a mobile home repair business in El Cajon, California. He moved to his home on the river at Shangri-la near Hamilton 30 years ago and for the past year he has resided in Burlington.
Ralph enjoyed golfing, fishing, watching all kinds of sports on television and traveling in his motor home. He was a wonderful fun loving guy with a heart of gold who will be missed by all.
Ralph is survived by his daughter, Masako Cone and her husband, Earl of Cape Carteret, NC. His companion, Mary Jo Dellinger of Burlington and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his wife Pauline, he was also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Albert, Dick, and Lloyd
Edwards and a sister, Anna Mary Calhoun.
Graveside Inurnment Services with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 1:00PM at the Greenacres Cemetery in Ferndale. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.