Obituary: Stredwick, Ralph Paul
In his life he was many things.
As a Sailor, he served in the Navy during the Second World War and again in the Korean Conflict in the Pacific.
He was anxious to contribute to the war effort and enlisted at age 17 so he could serve his country.
As a family man, he married Ruth and had children Linda and Paul Stredwick.
As a teacher he went on to teach grade school children in his 30-year career, and also taught aspiring teachers at Eastern Washington State College in Cheney.
Ralph retired as a teacher in 1980.
After Ruth’s death in 1984, Ralph again enlisted to serve, but this time in the Peace Corps and served in the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific to help Tongan students become teachers.
While in Tonga he met the second love of his life, Filisi.
They married and had three sons, James, Vincent and Jacob Stredwick.
Ralph lived in Pasco with Filisi and the boys until his death.
He marveled at how Filisi loved him and that their kids were so amazing; the new family he and Filisi created was truly the high point of his life.
He will be deeply missed by Filisi and all his children, and by the numerous relatives and friends with whom he shared so many good times.
A graveside service will be held in his childhood home town of Eltopia at Eltopia Cemetery on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 2 PM.
The short graveside service will be followed by a reception at the Eltopia United Church of Christ, 100 Lateral Drive, Eltopia, WA.
Memorial donations can be made to the Washington Operation Thank You, c/o Jeanette Yarger, 2853 Tuscanna Dr., Richland, WA 99354 or Hospice at The Chaplaincy, 1480 Fowler Street, Richland, WA 99352.
The family invites you to sign their on-line guest book at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.