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William Ralph Chapman, 78, a lifelong Albuquerque resident, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 19, 1999. He was born in a historic Albuquerque home on Third St. NW and graduated from Albuquerque High School at the age of 15. After attending the University of New Mexico, he joined the Bureau of Indian Affairs. During World War II, Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving four years. After the war, he joined the family business operated by his mother and brother, the Chapman Nursing and Convalescent Home, and later, Sandia Ranch Rest Home. Ralph was a member of the first graduating class of Licensed Professional Nurses at Presbyterian Hospital, and was a licensed nursing home administrator. He was a founding member of several health care professional groups and worked to improve the industry at the local, state and national levels, including the first White House Conference on Aging. Ralph was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge #461, and Masonic Lodge #60. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marcheta Marie; his brother, John; sister-in-law, Marjorie Smith and husband, James of Los Angeles, CA; sons, Mark, Ralph and his wife, Michele; grandchildren, Kyle, Brent, and Julia Chapman, all of Albuquerque; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews locally and in Los Angeles, CA. Besides the company of family and friends, Ralph enjoyed farming and gardening at Sandia Ranch and at home. As a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather whose kind and gentle nature has touched the lives of all who knew him, he will be greatly missed. Services will be held Friday, 10:30 a.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, with Rev. Clyde Stanfield officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Pallbearers will be Gary H. Leonard, Don E. Leonard, Tracy V. Leonard and Travis D. Leonard. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Thursday, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Presbyterian Hospice, 8300 Constitution NE, 87110 or First United Methodist Church, 314 Lead SW, 87102. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
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