Ralph Rayburn Tritch
Ralph Rayburn Tritch was born on September 7, 1926 in Lafe, Arkansas to his parents, Alvin and Sylvia Tritch. With his family by his side, Ralph died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, December 4th, 2017.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Irene, in addition to his son, Ellis (Tudy) and daughters, Yolanda Schultz (Andy) and Deina Schultz (Steven), seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. One grandson, Eli Tritch, preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Alvin and Sylvia, brothers Kenneth, Alfred, and Rayburn, and his sister Mary Ottemoeller.
In 1939, Ralph’s parents and their seven children moved from Arkansas to California. They settled in Terra Bella because Ralph’s father wanted a Lutheran church for his family and a Lutheran parochial school for his children. After their arrival in Terra Bella, three more children were born into the family.
Ralph graduated from Zion Lutheran School, Porterville High School, and then entered the U. S. Army at the end of WWII. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Along with his son, Ellis, Ralph participated in the Honor Flight program for WWII veterans visiting the WWII memorial in Washington, D.C.
Ralph had a successful career with Cal-trans, retiring after twenty years of dedicated service. He was also a part-time farmer, and was one of the first farmers to introduce quince into the local agricultural market. While working his orchard, Ralph spent many hours on his beloved Cletrac tractor. He once proudly sat atop his tractor during an antique equipment parade at the Tulare Farm Equipment Show. Because of his vast knowledge of and experiences with quince, Ralph was often called upon by growers to answer questions and provide guidance regarding the growing and marketing of this specialty crop. Ralph enjoyed singing and sang in a variety of barbershop quartets. His quartet won the barbershop competition during the city of Porterville’s bicentennial celebration.
Ralph was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Terra Bella for almost eighty years. Throughout his life, Ralph served on almost every committee, board, or council offered by the congregation, and sang in the church choir for over fifty years. Ralph and Irene began every day together in devotion, and you would always find Ralph in church on a Sunday morning. He began each week in church worshiping his Lord, and then exemplified the life of a committed Christian by giving of his time, talents, and treasures during the week. He loved his Lord and his church, and instilled in his family and fellow congregational members the value of worship, devotion, church attendance, volunteer service, and financial giving.
Viewing will be held at Myers Chapel on Monday, December 11th, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 12th, 2017 at Zion Lutheran church, 10341 Road 256, Terra Bella. Interment immediately to follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Because of his love for music, the family has established a memorial fund that will go towards the enhancement of the sound and organ system in the church. In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make donations to Zion Lutheran Church and School in the name of the Ralph Tritch memorial fund. Donations may also be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
To sign the family guest book or send condolences please go to www.myersfuneral.com. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.