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John Junior Ralf, 85, died Monday, June 12, 2006 at Presbyterian Hospice in Albuquerque. He passed away after a brief struggle with cancer. John is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Norma Eileen Bunker Ralf, who has tenderly cared for him during these past months. He was born March 10, 1921 in Santa Monica, CA to John Louis Ralf and Beda Wilhelmina Nelson Ralf. While attending Venice High School, he met Norma and they were married May 8, 1943 in Venice, CA. He served in the U.S. Army in the 9201st Tech Svc Unit during World War II as well as the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves in A Company 13th Inf. BN. John served in the Torrance Police Department and the Palos Verdes Police Department in California. In 1958 he purchased Johnny's Muffler Shop in Torrance which was eventually renamed for his daughter, Melody. After selling Melody Muffler in 1972, John and Norma retired to the beautiful mountain resort of Big Bear Lake, CA. He built their home which they enjoyed for 16 years. John was an Elk member for many years before becoming the Exalted Ruler at the Big Bear Lake Lodge in 1982. After leaving Big Bear they lived a few years in Hemet, CA before moving to Albuquerque. They have lived in The Vineyard since 1996 and enjoyed being close to their children and grandchildren. John loved cats, N-gauge trains and never missed a NASCAR, Formula One or Indy 500 race. He knew the names and stats of every driver that ever raced. He was a dedicated family man that loved his wife and daughters fiercely and rejoiced at the birth of every grand and great grandchild. John's love and guidance will be greatly missed. He leaves his three daughters, Cheryl Ralf Harris and husband, Richard of Corrales, NM, Kathy Ralf Davison and husband, Michael of Lake Forest, CA and Melody Ralf Taninies of Des Moines, IA. Also surviving him are his seven grandchildren: Christopher Harris and wife, Denise of San Diego, CA, Michael Harris and wife, Betsy of Chicago, IL, Charistiana "Cari" Harris Barry and husband, Bill of Corrales, NM, Julia Davison Norquist and husband, Noel of Lake Forest, CA, Nicole Davison of Lake Forest, CA, Sandra Taninies Hoover and husband, Zach of Des Moines, IA, and Autumn Taninies of Des Moines, IA. There are also 13 great-grandchildren; Clayton and Abby Harris, Joshua Harris, Jacob, Gregory, Eric, Luke, and Laurel Barry, Elizabeth, Alexandra, and Andrew Norquist, Sullivan Hoover, and Angelina Taninies. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Presbyterian Home Care and Hospice at 8100 Constitution Place NE, Suite 400, Albuquerque, NM 87110. The family is deeply appreciative of the tender love, care, and support that Lewis and Dawn of Hospice gave to the family. Memorial Services will be held on Monday, June 19, 2006, 1:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Chapel with Chaplain Dawn Caress officiating. A Reception will be held Monday at 3:00 p.m. at The Vineyard 55 Plus Community, 6118 Edith Blvd. NE. French Mortuary, Inc. 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333
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