Obituary for Calyle G. "Red" Ralston

Calyle G. "Red" Ralston, 80, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at the West Ridge Care Center, Cedar Rapids following a lengthy illness. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. Iowa Cremation is assisting the family. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Barbara; Daughter, Kristine and (Chuck) Rutledge of Swisher; Son, G.C. (Corky) and (Marsha) Ralston of Cedar Rapids; Grandchildren, Gordon Ralston Jr., Michele Lee Johnson, Brooke Ann Ralston and Heather Rutledge; Great grandchildren, Tori Gregory, Ashley Johnson, Caleb Ralston, Noah Ralston and Rosilyn Christenson. Red was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Virginia Bohannon and brother, Larry Ralston. Calyle George Ralston was born July 17, 1931 in Maquoketa, Iowa the son of George and Mary (Ostert) Ralston. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1948-1949 and then married Barbara Lou Webster on October 29, 1950 in Cedar Rapids. Red worked for FMC/Link Belt and then for Dave Schmitt Construction for many years. He was a member of the Swisher American Legion, the Eagles Club in Cedar Rapids, Ocala and Silver Springs, FL. Red enjoyed fishing, fish fry''s and shrimp boils with his family and friends, and especially enjoyed working in his timber at Strawberry Point. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him. Memorials may be sent in his name to: 6277 Muirfield Drive SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.