Ralph Coons, 75 / March 15, 1936 — Oct. 6, 2011

Published 8:25 pm Friday, October 7, 2011

Ralph Coons, 75
March 15, 1936 — Oct. 6, 2011

Ralph E. Coons, 75, of Niles passed away Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011 at his home.
He was born in South Bend on March 15, 1936 to Ralph L. and Mona E. (Groom) Coons.
Ralph served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. He worked as a truck driver. Ralph was a member of the American Legion Post 170 of Three Rivers and was a former member of the Eagles. He enjoyed reading Westerns, boating and talking about trucks with his friends.
On April 15, 1973 he married Barbara Wright in Jones. She preceded him in death June 2008.
Surviving are his daughters, Cathleen (Kiley) Vanderhoof of Jones, Cassandra (John Wellington) Foghino of Three Rivers; son, Leslie Coons of Kalamazoo, fiancee, Marie Manley of Niles; stepdaughter, Melissa (Tony) Rodriguez of Niles; sister, Celia Warapius of South Bend, Ind.; grandchildren, Lauren Vanderhoof, Mason Pontius, Stephanie Pontius, Robby Bowers, Darrell (Carolann) Wood, Amanda (Mike) Harris; step-grandchildren, Michael and Richard Newcomer and Tori Rodriguez; great-grandchildren, Skylar and Kamelia Wood.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and sister, Ramona Johnson.
A memorial service will be held at the home of Melissa Rodriguez , 1101 Topinabee, Niles at noon Saturday, Oct. 15 with Pastor Norm Reimes officiating.
Interment of ashes will be in the Constantine Cemetery at 5 p.m. Oct. 15.
Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.