Ralph E. Dennis, age 89, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving family by his side on Monday, February 12, 2024.
He was born on April 29, 1934, in rural Flora, the son ofChlorus Edward and Leona Belle (Watson) Dennis.
Ralph married the love of his life, Ruth Marie Cox, on December 15, 1955, in Salem, embarking on a journey together that spanned 68 years.
He was a member of the Community Southern Baptist Church of Clay City. He was a farmer, a bus driver for many years, andlater worked with Southern Illinois Lumber Company and then Flora Lumber Company until retirement.
Ralph’s biggest pride and joy was his family. In addition to his wife Marie, he is survived by his children: David (Barbara) Dennis of Flora, Edward (Nancy) Dennis of Salem, Randy (Shirely) Dennis, of Flora, Gary (Jennifer) Dennis of Flora, Lori (Mark) Antrim of Marshall, and Kendra (John) Firek of Algonquin. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren: Scott (Cynthia) Dennis, Nathan Dennis, Brian Dennis, Jodi (Gary) Showalter,Jessica (Giles) Mann, Cody Antrim, Blake (Kory) Antrim,Sophie Firek, and Maggie Firek; 3 Bonus Grandchildren: William (Laura) Crowe, Pam (Steve) Frye, and Dustin (JoAnna) Spicer; 12 great-grandchildren; 6 bonus great-grandchildren; sister: Linda (Richard) Wiegel of Clay City; sister-in-law: Erma (Jack) Keele of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; brother-in-law: John Cox of Flora; brother-in-law: Vernon (Ruth) Cox of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law: Thurman and Ovie Cox; sister: Shirley Cox; and a beloved granddaughter: Melissa Cooper.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Frank and Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday evening at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Hospice, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
