Ralston, Calyle G. 'Red'

Calyle G. “Red” Ralston, 80, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, at West Ridge Care Center, Cedar Rapids, following a lengthy illness. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. Iowa Cremation is assisting the family.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Barbara; daughter, Kristine (and Chuck) Rutledge of Swisher; son, G.C. “Corky” (and Marsha) Ralston of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Gordon Ralston Jr., Michele Lee Johnson, Brooke Ann Ralston and Heather Rutledge; and great-grandchildren, Tori Gregory, Ashley Johnson, Caleb Ralston, Noah Ralston and Rosilyn Christenson.

Red was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Virginia Bohannon; and brother, Larry Ralston.

Calyle George Ralston was born July 17, 1931, in Maquoketa, Iowa, the son of George and Mary (Ostert) Ralston. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1948-1949 and then married Barbara Lou Webster on Oct. 29, 1950, in Cedar Rapids. Red worked for FMC/Link Belt and then for Dave Schmitt Construction for many years. He was a member of the Swisher American Legion and the Eagles Club in Cedar Rapids and Ocala and Silver Springs, Fla. Red enjoyed fishing, fish frys and shrimp boils with his family and friends, and especially enjoyed working in his timber at Strawberry Point. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to West Ridge Care Center and Hospice of Mercy for the care and compassion shown to Red.

Memorials may be sent in his name to 6277 Muirfield Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.

Online condolences may be left by visiting  under obituaries.

Published Sept. 23, 2011, in The Gazette