Ralph Donald Viehman

Ralph Donald Viehman was born April 24, 1933, in Steelville, Missouri to Carnie Bertie (Edwards) and Clarence Viehman.  90 years blessed and loved, he passed away on May 9, 2023.

He graduated Valedictorian of the Class of 1951 from Steelville High School.  Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Ardell Halbert on September 7, 1952, at the Presbyterian Church in Steelville. They celebrated 70 years of love together.

Ralph attended the University of Missouri and worked in the print shop. He was proud to set type for the diplomas.  He graduated in 1955 with a degree in Business Administration.  Ralph started his career with Sears Roebuck and Company the day after graduation and was a loyal and dedicated manager for 38 years.  Ralph served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1963.

Ralph and Ardell had 2 daughters, Vicki and Linda.  His career led the family to move from Columbia, Missouri to Garden City, Kansas; Great Bend, Kansas; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Coffeyville, Kansas; Grand Island, Nebraska, and landed in Garland, Texas where they resided in the same home for 51 years.  At the Sears store after hours, his girls would ride the new bikes up and down the aisles and play shoe store. Biscuits and gravy and reading the comics together were part of Sunday morning fun before going to church.  He was the best Daddy ever.

Ralph so enjoyed being outdoors whether it be working in the yard, playing golf, or fishing at the lake for the big one. His lake house on Lake Quitman brought him peaceful relaxation and memorable family fun. He spent time puttering, could fix anything, and was thrifty clipping coupons.  He had a sense of humor and loved telling stories and jokes.

He loved to travel.  He always took two weeks off in the summer for a family vacation. Trips all over the country included educational stops as well as seeing any family along the way.  Ralph was especially proud of touring every Presidential Library.  He enjoyed trips back to Steelville as often as possible to visit family.

Ralph began his faith journey when given a New Testament Psalm Bible as a Christmas gift at the age of 11.  He was a lifelong Presbyterian and served his church faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Elder, and devoted mower of the church lawn.  His humble acts of kindness and words of wisdom touched the lives of so many.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his sisters, Irene Eaton, Maxine Mullen and husband Lawrence; brother Richard Viehman and wife Marlyn; sister-in-law Ava Viehman; and great-grandson Neal Edward Schiefelbein.

Ralph felt family strong and is survived by his wife Ina Ardell (Halbert); daughters, Vicki and husband Dale Fornander and Linda and husband Bruce Noblett; brothers Jesse Leroy "Bud" Viehman, Leslie Viehman and wife Dorothy (Helmering).

Ralph treasured his grandchildren, Melissa and husband Andy Schiefelbein, Lauren and husband Sydney Brown, Allison and husband Dusty Hoffman, Bryan Noblett and wife Bryttin, and Leanna Noblett.

He was blessed with three great-granddaughters, Harper Lynn, Reese Desiree, and Kinley Danica Hoffman.  He was Uncle Ralph to numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Garland, 930 W. Avenue B, Garland, Texas on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.  He will be laid to rest at the Steelville, Missouri cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be given to the Capital Campaign at First Presbyterian Church of Garland.

You may view the livestream service or make a donation at www.fpcgarland.org .