Ralph Dial

Ralph Dial, 81, of Estancia, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2008, at his home, with his family beside him. Ralph was born on December 4, 1927 in Silverton/Estancia, NM to Elmer and Lola (Strong) Dial. He always said he was told that it was during a snow storm and the doctor didn’t get there for two weeks, but his dad still had to pay the doctor $25.00 for the delivery. He attended Estancia Schools, graduating in 1945. Following graduation he went into the Army, serving during World War II. His overseas assignment was in Japan serving in Occupation Services. He served in the Army 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolf Hounds”. Ralph married Bernardine Kemper on September 5, 1948 at her parent’s home following the Sunday’s evening services at First Baptist Church in Estancia. Ralph was a retired school bus contractor-driver of the Estancia Schools. He also had several businesses during his lifetime. He was a great fix-it man, anything from tuning up ladies sewing machines, repairing clocks, tuning pianos and anything else he was called on to do. He always enjoyed a challenge and did not give up easily whether it was repairing one of the children’s toys or unlocking a door for a widow woman who had inadvertently locked herself out of her house. Intrigued with new technology, he would always find out how anything worked, getting into some interesting pickles in the process. Ralph was very active in the American Legion Post 22, where he served as Adjutant and also coordinator for the Honor Guard Team. He also held the office of District 3 Commander for many years until the present time. He was always willing to do whatever he was called upon to do for the American Legion or the Auxiliary. Ralph was a member of First Baptist Church in Estancia. He served in many capacities, during his years of membership, including Deacon, Sunday school teacher, Lay Minister, choir member, and custodian. You could often find him doing some kind of repair, replacing broken windows or just fixing-up around the church. Music and humor marked his life. He spent many happy hours entertaining at nursing homes, community affairs and just jamming with family and friends. His death on December 7, 2008, left many pleasant memories in our hearts. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and one infant brother. Ralph is survived by his wife, Bernardine of the family home; daughter, Catherine Pope and her husband Sam of Estancia, NM; brothers, Jack, Alfred and Almer (Buster) of Estancia, NM, and Roy of Brewster, WA. Grandsons, Mark Pope and wife, Kim, Jeremy Pope and wife Alicia, and Clay Pope and wife Larrissa, all of Estancia, eleven great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter, several foster children and foreign exchange students that he sheltered and mentored, numerous nieces and nephews, plus a host of friends. There will be a viewing on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 from 5:00 to 7:00PM at Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty, NM. Services will be Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 2:00pm at First Baptist Church in Estancia with Pastor Jonathan Richard officiating. Interment will be at the Estancia Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Lawrence, Paul Sanchez, Charlie Chavez, Victor Barela, Carlos Chavez and Johnny Lujan. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the American Legion Post 22. Arrangements entrusted to Harris-Hanlon Mortuary “Our Family Serving Your Family” (505)832-6130 www.Harris-HanlonMortuary.com