Ralph Ernest Blake

Richfield, Utah – Our kind and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, neighbor and friend, Ralph Ernest Blake, age 86, passed away in Richfield, Utah on July 12, 2020. He was born on September 2, 1933 in Richfield to Glen Thuesen and Elizabeth Schroepfer Blake. He graduated from Richfield High with the class of 1951. He served his country in the U.S. Army starting in 1953 and was stationed in Detroit, Michigan until May 1955, when he was honorably discharged. He married Carolyn Patricia “Pat” Anderson on December 19, 1955 in the Manti LDS Temple. Together they raised two sons: Doug and Mark. They were together until Pat’s death on November 19, 1987. On May 5, 1994, Ralph married Janell Allred in the Manti LDS Temple. They remained devoted to each other until his passing. Ralph had a curious mind and a love of learning. He attended the University of Utah where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Electrical Engineering in 1959, followed by a Master’s of Science in 1960. He and his family lived in Anaheim, California for 17 years where he worked in the Aerospace and Electrical Industry. He demonstrated an attention to detail in this highly technical work. He reported directly to the Pentagon and worked on projects such as the Minute Man and Polaris missiles. In 1971 when Pat was diagnosed with MS and her health began to deteriorate, they moved back home to Richfield where he worked a number of years for Blake Electric. He was later hired as an instructor at the Sevier Valley Technical College where he worked in the Industrial Electricity program, teaching all phases of industrial electricity. He was an accomplished teacher and was awarded the Outstanding Vocational Educator of the Year in 1988. He wrote and published a text to teach vocational math. He worked for Utah State University training other vocational teachers, and he taught math classes that were broadcast live over KUED for two years. Ralph was an active and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities over the years including ward clerk, Sunday school teacher, scoutmaster, and multiple Bishoprics. He and Janell also served a mission together in Nauvoo during the rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple. Ralph loved the outdoors including camping, fishing, hunting, and riding ATV’s. He was familiar with every mountain, lake, river and stream in the surrounding area, where he enjoyed camping with family and friends. He had several hobbies including the building and flying of model airplanes, photography, and building intricate models of famous sailing ships, some of them taking as long as 2 years to build. Ralph is survived by his wife Janell; sons: Doug Blake of Washington DC; Mark (Shaunna) Blake of Richfield; a brother Alma (Norma) Blake of Salina. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents; wife Patricia Blake; a brother Glen Blake. Due to concerns about Covid-19, only private family services will be held. Burial with military honors accorded by the V.F.W Sevier Post #5050, and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Richfield City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah. Funeral Services Livestream: