Ralph Lemoine Branstetter, Sr.

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Visitation Schedule
First Baptist Church
610 E. Main St.
Batesville, AR  72501
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
10:00am - 11:00am
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
First Baptist Church
610 E. Main St.
Batesville, AR  72501
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
11:00am
Memorial Contributions
First Baptist Church Building Fund
610 E. Main St.
Batesville, AR  72501


Gideon International
P.O. Box 140800
Nashville, TN  37214
Ralph Lemoine Branstetter, Sr.

of Batesville, AR

October 8, 1934 - November 12, 2023

Ralph Lemoine Branstetter, Sr., son of Virgil and Eula Branstetter, was born October 8, 1934 in Mansfield, Missouri, the oldest of six (five brothers and one sister).

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Eula Branstetter; his first wife, Verna Marie Barber Branstetter; his sons, Ralph Lemoine Branstetter, Jr. "Butch" and Doyle Dee Branstetter; grandson, Mark Branstetter; brothers, Don Branstetter and Gary Branstetter and sisters-in-law, Norma Ruth Branstetter and Rachel Branstetter.

Ralph grew up in southern Missouri with his siblings, where he enjoyed the outdoors and boxing in high school. He missed the draft in 1953, due to recently graduating high school, followed by marrying his first love, Verna Marie Barber on July 26, 1953 in Mansfield. The newlyweds moved to St. Louis as Ralph worked for McDonald Douglas Aircraft until the end of the war in 1954, before moving to 118 Georgia Lane in Belton, Missouri, where they welcomed their first born, Ralph Lemoine, Jr. "Butch", followed by their second son, Richard Paul in 1956. Six years later they had a surprise welcoming of twin boys, Doyle Dee and David Lee, completing their family a year later with their daughter, Tonya Jo.

Around 1970, the family moved to 221 NW 83rd Street in Kansas City North where they started attending Gashland Baptist Church, where Ralph was ordained as a church deacon. Ralph held managerial positions during this time with one of this final jobs being at Larry Goad Co. One of his highlights was coaching his sons' little league teams and going on family camping trips. In 1984, the lovely V Marie passed away. As time went on Ralph met Mr. Edie, Aida Ridgway, at church and he won her heart with a rose. They were joined in marriage in 1985. In the winter of 1987, Ralph and Aida moved to Batesville, Arkansas where Ralph began working with his brother, Dwight, at Batesville Grocery CO. In January 1988 they joined First Baptist Church where he fulfilled his deacon duties and became popular with his coffee service.

In 1996, he retired, so Aida and Ralph began traveling the states through bus tours, visiting Cancun and exploring new places, before he decided to go back to work part-time as a car wash attendant, delivering meals on wheels and delivering pharmaceuticals, before he found great enjoyment volunteering as a courtesy cart driver at the White River Medical Center. Over the years Ralph had many hobbies and was quite the handyman with gardening and woodworking being some of his most enjoyed activities, while he excelled at almost anything he put his hands to.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Aida Ridgway Branstetter; his sons, Richard Paul Branstetter and wife, Tina and David Branstetter; his daughter, Tonya Jo Branstetter; his daughter-in-law, Velvet Branstetter; his grandchildren, Butch Branstetter, Angel McKinney, Chanze Branstetter, Holly (Nathan) Andachter, Chris (Alicia) Branstetter, Mike Branstetter, Reisa (Lee) Studdle, Yve Calai (Daniel) Ballard, Jobea Branstetter, Samiya Haidar, Zadlyn Branstetter and Kaiyu Hoffman and many great-and great-great grandchildren along with siblings, in-laws and many friends and family.

Memorial services will begin at 11:00 am Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at First Baptist Church under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Stacy Reed officiating.

A Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 am Tuesday just prior to service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like gifts donated towards the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 610 E. Main Street, Batesville, AR 72501 or Gideon International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.

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10 Condolence(s)
Ron Tate
Newark, AR
Liked
Saturday, December 9, 2023

I met Ralph during his years with Batesville Gro. I was in there almost every day with my job with Philip Morris USA. There was always a smile on his face and friendly conversation. I always thought of Ralph, as a friend. When I would occasionally run into him at the hospital he was always the same old friendly Ralph who greeted you with a smile. He will be missed

Regina
Batesville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, November 28, 2023

I know that no words of mine can comfort you. However, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ can always help us through. “Behold, I am with you always!”

Sam Branstetter
Wichita, KS
Liked
Wednesday, November 15, 2023

A wonderful cousin and friend , I can remember the time when his family came to our house to visit Ralph and Bobby would bring their boxing gloves and talked me into boxing with Ralph. I can still feel that punch from Ralph. We had fun and i got a lesson in boxing from Ralph. HA. I love those Branstetter boys and that Branstetter Girl Save a place for me so you can show me some flying techniques with our new wings, Love you Cousin.

Jan Burrow Qualls
Batesville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Sending my thoughts & prayers

Ellen Collier
Soringfield, MO
Liked
Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Ralph, will be missed by all that new him. Thanking of all the family at this time. May you find peace knowing Ralph is at peace no more pain.

Don & Cyndi Jackson
Batesville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, November 14, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Mr. Ralph was a wonderful man. He is in the arms of Jesus and is healthy again. Love you, Cyndi and Don

Betty Cockrill
Batesville, AR
Liked
Monday, November 13, 2023

Aida and family, I am so sorry to hear about Ralph. You both are special people. I always enjoyed seeing you at church and at the hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. I pray our precious Lord will wrap His loving arms around you and give you peace and comfort.

Glenda Bowers
Batesville, AR
Liked
Monday, November 13, 2023

I enjoyed getting to know Ralph when we volunteered at White River Med Center. He was always kind, fun and a gentleman. Everyone there thought so much of Ralph, especially Aida. Glenda

Nick & Katrina Fudge
Batesville,
Liked
Monday, November 13, 2023

Our thoughts & prayers are with the family. Ralph will be missed by many. I pray the family will find peace in knowing Ralph is in the arms of Jesus. No more sorrow, no more pain.

Janice Fuller
Batesville, AR
Liked
Monday, November 13, 2023

So sorry for your loss he was a very sweet man always enjoyed our visits !