Ralph A. Gentz

Ralph was called home to his heavenly father on Monday, February 27, 2017.He was born January 7, 1947 at Utica, Michigan, a son of the late Arnold G. Gentz and Mary J. Cale Gentz Wadsworth. Ralph was proud to have been an active member of St. Paul's U.M. Church where he served on several committees throughout the years.He felt he had a calling to work with prison inmates and was active in Kairos Prison Ministry.Ralph was also a Life Member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks #198 of Parkersburg, He retired in 2011 as a Wood County Deputy Assessor and prior to that was part owner in Rawlings Opticians where he worked for thirty years.He was an overseas Navy veteran having served during the Vietnam War. Survivors include his wife of forty five years, Connie St.Clair Gentz; one daughter, Christine Wilmoth and husband Ryan of Parkersburg; one foster daughter Tina McNemar and husband Shawn of Parkersburg; stepfather, Joseph Wadsworth of Sterling Heights, Michigan; one sister, Marilyn Teasdale (Jim) and one brother Philip J Wadsworth (Debra) all if Romeo, Michigan; two nephews, James Teasdale and Steven Roberts. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by a sister, Pamela E. Gentz. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Friday at St. Paul's U.M. Church, 11th and Market streets, Parkersburg with Reverend Pamela S. Shuman officiating.Interment will follow in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery.The family will receive friends at the Vaughan Funeral Home, 1010 Murdoch Avenue, Parkersburg from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. Thursday and one hour prior to service at the church.For those considering an expression of sympathy please consider donations to the Humane Society of Parkersburg.