Ralph Sheneman

Ralph Sheneman leaves much to be treasured in the hearts of those he leaves behind. As a man of faith, he set a fine example of Christian love, warmth and kindness. With much to be remembered, Ralph will always remain a devoted husband and father, grandfather, friend and proud American.

During the Roaring Twenties the sweet sound of jazz filled the air and Charlie Chaplin starred on the big screen. The American dream was being realized, and while farming continued to be the mainstay of rural communities, cities like Grand Rapids, Michigan were thriving with expansion. It was in this community along the Grand River that Ralph Sheneman, Sr. and his wife, Henrietta (Eichorn) welcomed the birth of their baby boy. Ralph Marion was born on May 22, 1921 at 1130 Boston Street SE where the Sheneman family lovingly made their home.

Ralph’s father made his living as a custodian at Fountain Street Church and at Burton Junior High School. His mother, a homemaker, also worked at Herpolsheimer’s in downtown Grand Rapids. From their earliest beginnings, Ralph and his younger brother Jack worshipped with their parents at Fountain Street Church where they were longtime members. He began his early education at Oakdale Elementary School where he learned to write with his right hand. He was actually left handed, but left handed writing wasn’t readily accepted, and teachers did everything back then to change a student’s natural writing preference. Even so, Ralph only wrote with his right hand at school and came to have beautiful penmanship.

As a student at Ottawa Hills High School, Ralph played the trumpet in the school band which went on to serve him well. He in the band, played at all the school functions and especially enjoyed playing at football games. During these years Ralph became quite smitten with a young gal he attended church with. Not only did he and Ellen Robson share their faith and a mutual fondness for one another, but they also shared musical talent, too. Ralph went on to graduate from Ottawa Hills in 1939 and they continued dating until Ralph felt the call to duty. In 1941 he joined the U.S. Army, just as America was fully engaged in World War II. As a member of the Signal Corp, Ralph served as a bugler and trained in a mobile radio unit and was later stationed in England and France.

Ralph and Ellen corresponded as often as they were able. It was through their letters that a bond soon formed and for three years Ellen awaited his safe return. Upon his honorable discharge, Ralph and Ellen realized their deep love for each other. He began working at Consumers Power Company and soon proposed to his sweetheart. On July 3, 1946 they were blessed in marriage in a beautiful ceremony at East Congregational Church. They began their life together in a rented apartment on Madison Avenue until 1948 when they built a home of their own on Oakhurst NW. They welcomed the births of their children, Linda, Robert and Mary Ellen in their faith filled home where treasured memories were formed.

As a devoted husband and dedicated father, Ralph faithfully supported his family while working at Western Electric. He tried a job with the Grand Rapids Fire Department but it didn’t suit him. He later went to work for Lear Siegler, first in assembly, and later became a shipping inspector. For 33 years, Ralph devoted his time and talents to the company before eventually retiring in 1983.

Ralph and his family spent fun-filled family vacations in northern Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. They traveled around Lake Superior with their travel trailer and visited many state parks, sometimes even renting a cabin for a night or two. One of their most memorable trips as a family included a trip to Yellowstone Park. Beside traveling and enjoying the company of his family, Ralph found joy working in his vegetable garden and tending to his fruit trees. He grew grapes, corn, tomatoes and had apple, cherry and peach trees. The fruits of his labor afforded Ralph the opportunity to make a lot of wine which he often gave as gifts. He was also a car buff and enjoyed his membership in an antique car club. He owned a 1958 Oldsmobile 88 which was his father’s last car. With varied interests, Ralph thoroughly enjoyed his role as Santa Claus in the 1980s at the North Kent Mall.

Music always played an important role in Ralph’s life. He remained involved with music in one form or another over the years. He was part of the Silvertones singing group and played trumpet for the Grand Rapids Pops. While their children were in school Ralph and Ellen were very involved in the school PTA program, talent shows and coordinated building sets for many performances. Talented in many respects, he also wrote a few tunes of his own and had a large collection of sheet music. In 1991 Ralph and Ellen became involved members at Wallin Congregational Church. They were in the choir and did much with the senior group there. Ralph’s grandchildren were an important part of his life. For each of their birthdays he visited their home and played happy birthday to them on his trumpet. After retiring, Ralph and Ellen traveled extensively. They went on many cruises, bus trips, and visited Alaska, Branson, Missouri, Nova Scotia, and took the train through Canada.

Along with his love for big bands and swing music, Ralph also loved old time movies and programs. As an avid letter writer, he was faithful in keeping in touch with others and cut many articles from newspapers that he found to be interesting. Foremost in the heart of Ralph was his service to his country. He was a proud Veteran and held membership at the American Legion-Stewart Howe Post where he served as a Post Commander. He was also a member of the Red Arrow Division, 40 et 8 Club for Veteran’s. For 18 years he served as a member of the Kent County Veteran’s Honor Guard where he honorably played taps on the bugle for area Veteran’s funeral services.

When the big home became too much for them, Ralph and Ellen moved to the Villa Maria Apartments. This transition was difficult on Ralph because he truly missed his yard and puttering around the house. In time Ellen required more care and they both moved to Northview Manor. Sadly, Ellen died on October 18, 2009, and Ralph was never the same. A large part of Ralph’s heart went with his beloved Ellen. Along with worsening arthritis, Ralph became quiet, was more reserved and resigned himself to doing less. It was clear he was truly heartbroken after losing his companion of 63 years. As his health continued to diminish, Ralph was placed in Hospice care a week ago and on Thursday afternoon, September 23, 2010, Ralph passed away at the age of 89 with his loving family by his side.

Ralph was a man of faith who dedicated his life to his Lord, family and country. He was a loving husband and father, and was proud to be an American. He leaves a lasting legacy that will be long remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his children: Linda (John) Reed, Robert (Cindy) Sheneman, Mary (Kim) McComb; grandchildren: Linda Sue (Jeff) Nyebrink, Rebecca Reed, John (Amanda) Reed, Jr., Anne Sheneman, Paul Sheneman, James McComb, Ryan (Katie) McComb; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; his brother, Jack Sheneman; two nieces and many friends. A service to celebrate Ralph’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the funeral home on Monday from 6:30– 8:30 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to Faith Hospice or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, submit a photo or to sign his online guest book.