Ralph Mendenhall

Dorse Fay Mendenhall, known by many as Ralph, was born July 15, 1944, in Cedar Grove, Missouri. He was the son of John Wesley and Verna Mae (Freeze) Mendenhall. Ralph was from a large family and grew up in the Cedar Grove area. Ralph was in the United States Coast Guard and served his country from 1963-1967. Following his time in the military, he worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator, an over-the-road truck driver, and mechanic. Ralph was united in marriage to Connie Ferguson. They were blessed with four children: Harold, Patricia, Charles, and Ellen. They later blessed him with eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He cherished his family deeply, and his life was enriched by making memories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his spare time, Ralph could be found in the woods hunting or near his brother Dolph’s pond fishing. He also enjoyed being with his grandchildren at Montauk State Park. Ralph passed away April 26, 2025, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of eighty years. He is survived by his loving children: Harold Mendenhall and wife Angie, Patricia Mendenhall Reeves, Charles Mendenhall, and Ellen Rowe and husband Andy all of Salem, MO; brothers: Dolphie Mendenhall, Johnny Mendenhall, Jim Mendenhall and wife Euylene, Gene Mendenhall and wife June, and Earl Mendenhall and wife Sharilyn; sister-in-law: Edith Mendenhall; grandchildren: Wesley Mendenhall and wife Serria, Miranda White and husband Travis, Alicia Kitts, Dalton Mendenhall and wife Ayla, Bryant Mendenhall, Kalup Mendenhall and wife Annie, Ashley Sanders and husband Zach, and Jasmine Rowe; many beloved great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his parents: John and Verna (Freeze) Mendenhall; sisters: Ellen Richardson, Bonnie Lewis, and Jeraldine Mendenhall; and his brothers: Thomas, Doyle, and Delbert Mendenhall. His kind and friendly nature endeared him to many. He never met a stranger and always had a story to tell. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Ralph will be forever missed. Celebration of Life for Ralph Mendenhall was held Friday, May 2, 2025, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Military Honors was provided by the American Legion Post 99. Burial will be at a later date in the Ashley Creek Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Ralph Mendenhall

July 15, 1944 - April 26, 2025