Ralph R. Rivers, 70, Kokomo, died at 4:55 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012, at St. Joseph Hospital. He was born Oct. 26, 1941, to Donald and Stella (Lorenz) Rivers in Kokomo. On June 22, 1995, he married Paula Sue Goad, who preceded him in death on Nov. 15, 2010.
Ralph was a 1959 graduate of Kokomo High School, and had a successful career as a realtor and real-estate developer, both independently and for several local companies. He loved racing, and his service to the Indy Car Nation Fan Club was nationally recognized. He had the opportunity to pose with Gene Simmons for a photo at the Indianapolis 500, and remembered it fondly. He enjoyed collecting cars, Coke memorabilia and Depression-era glassware. His memberships included the Indiana Republican Party and Howard County Planning Commission, as he was active in local politics.
Survivors include his daughter, Kim Rivers (Kim Nguyen), Oshkosh, Wisc., David Rivers (Cheryl), Glen Rock, Penn., Holly Rivers, South Bend and Pamela Rivers, Bakersfield, Calif.; step-daughters, Melissa Mitchell (Mark) and Carrie Rhoades (Jacob), both of Kokomo; grandchildren, Quynh, Liem, Megan, Nathan, Jacob, Emily, Madison, Matthew, Maxwell, Madison and Hank; siblings, Sherrill Wehrly (Paul) Berne, N.C., Don Rivers (Joyce), San Antonio, Texas, James Rivers, Kerry Rivers (Estelle), Gerry Lee Setty (Bob), Maris Fisher (Steven), and Candice Rondeau (Leon), all of Kokomo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister-in-law, Coby Rivers.
Funeral services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Shirley and Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, with Pastor Greg Reed officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Kokomo Rescue Mission. Condolences can be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
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Ralph Rivers
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Ralph R. Rivers
Oct. 26, 1941 - Oct. 9, 2012
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