Ralph O. Pletcher
Feb. 17, 1921-Jan. 13, 2007
Reverend Ralph O. Pletcher, 85, of Edgewater Drive, Edwardsburg, Michigan, formerly of Hoyt Drive, Niles, died at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, in his son's home of an extended illness.
Rev. Pletcher was born February 14, 1921, in Nappanee, Indiana, to Nathan and Cleo (Beam) Pletcher. He had lived in this area since 1956, coming from Indiana.
On July 5, 1942, in Plymouth, Indiana, he married the former Vena Fleek, who died on November 2, 2004.
Rev. Pletcher retired after 36 years as pastor of the Coulter's Chapel Church of God in Niles, Michigan. Leading by example, and not just a white-collar pastor, he was not afraid to get his hands dirty in construction or whatever needed to be done. He had a part in the construction of all of the current buildings at Coulter's Chapel.
Even late in his life, he still called on the shut-ins and visited those in extended-care facilities. His family became quite extended as he gave his all to his church, religion, and his calling.
He was very involved in the foreign mission fields, especially the work done in Haiti, where he personally made thirteen trips. He also loved music.
Rev. Pletcher was a U.S. Army veteran, serving his country during World War II.
Rev. Pletcher is survived by his children, Ronald (Sharon) Pletcher and Darlene (Paul) Ferry, both of Edwardsburg, Philip Pletcher of Grand Rapids, Pam (Jerry) Lingle of Niles; 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are his sister, Naomi Crow of Plymouth; and his brothers, Gene and Russell Pletcher of South Bend, and Willard Pletcher of Argos.
Rev. Pletcher was preceded in death by one granddaughter, three brothers and a sister.
Services for Rev. Ralph O. Pletcher will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2007, in Coulter's Chapel Church of God, Niles. Burial will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, where military rites will be provided by the American Legion Post #51, Buchanan, Michigan. The family will receive relatives and friends from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today in the church.
Memorial contributions for Rev. Ralph O. Pletcher may be made to the Children's International Lifeline, 16106 Brookwood Drive, Buchanan, MI 49107; or to Hospice at Home.
The funeral arrangements were made by the Halbritter Funeral Home.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown