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Ralph A. Niles Sr., 94, of LaPorte, died March 24, 2015, at Millers Health and Rehabilitation, LaPorte.
He was born Feb. 8, 1921, in Rockport, IN, to Arthur and Maude (Frank) Niles.
Ralph graduated from Richland High School in Richland, IN, and from Lockyear Business College in Evansville, IN. He worked at Servel Corporation in Evansville and then at Whirlpool Corporation in Evansville and LaPorte. He represented Whirlpool in the Administrative Management Society. Ralph was on the board of the Whirlpool Federal Credit and then the Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union, serving as secretary for many years. During World War II, he served in the 8th Air Force as a tail gunner with the 388th Bombardment Group in England. He was a member of LaPorte VFW and American Legion Post 83, where he served as past commander. Ralph loved to play golf and was treasurer of the Beechwood Men’s Club for many years. He also loved to bowl and still went to Casey’s Lanes to watch his daughter and other seniors bowl on Monday mornings. He was a good bowler and won trophies when he bowled in the Whirlpool Bowling League. Just a few years ago, he came in first place in single and doubles in the 8-pin no-tap tournament for seniors at Casey’s Lanes. Everyone who met and talked to Ralph thought he was a special person and loved him. He will be greatly missed.
Ralph married the love of his life, Bettye Doane Scherer, on Sept. 19, 1942, in Rockport, IN. They were very devoted to each other. They were married for 72 years and had two children, Ralph Jr. (deceased) and Connie.
Surviving are his loving wife, Bettye Niles of LaPorte; daughter, Connie Niles of LaPorte; grandchildren, Tina Clowers and William (Carol) Niles; four great-grandchildren, Bethany Baumgartner, Travis Clowers, Brice Niles and Brandt Niles; and three great-great-grandchildren, Madelyn Farlie, Ethan Baumgartner and Lydia Byers, all of LaPorte.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ralph A. Niles Jr.; sisters, Melba Niles, Eileen Falkenstein and Kathryn Tremper; and brother, William Niles.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Rev. Evan Lash officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, March 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.
