Ralph Strippel

Ralph K. Strippel, 73, of New Martinsville, WV died Monday, November 21, 2016 at Wetzel County Hospital. Ralph was born September 10, 1943 in Port Jarvis, NY son of the late Albert and Shirley (Kelder) Strippel. He was a retired teacher with thirty-four years of service with Wetzel County Schools, a U.S. Air Force veteran, graduate of Fairmont State University and WVU, loved to read, travel, loved dogs, painting and was a sport enthusiast. Was a member of the Graft Lodge No. 15 A.F. & A.M., Wetzel County Committee on Aging, Wetzel County Democrat Committee, Arts Link and operated sound and lights for many theatre productions. He coached basketball and started and coached the first soccer team. He used to enjoy surfing at the beach and skiing in the snow and a member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in New Martinsville. Surviving are his wife of forty-six years, Diane (Boyce) Strippel; two sons, Aaron (Elizabeth) Strippel of Green Acres, FL and Ryan (Karin) Strippel of Cleveland, OH; daughter, Amanda (Garrett) Butler of Morgantown, WV; sister, Cindy Mungoven; three grandchildren, Sabrina, Ashlyn and Annika. Friends received 10 - 11 a.m., Saturday, November 26, 2016 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with Rev. John P. McDonough as celebrant. Honor Guard will conduct military rites after the Mass of Christian Burial service. Family prefers memorial contributions be made, in Ralph’s name, to Wetzel County Animal Shelter, 399 Mollahan Dr., New Martinsville, WV 26155.