The only information available at this time for Ralph D. Bearce is as follows:
born: 11-27-1952 died: 11-27-2007
He was living in Irvine, Orange County, Ca at the time of his death. The report of his death to SSA was verified through observation of a death certificate. An obituary notice was recorded in the Orange County Register edition of 11-29-2007. His viewing was on Thursday, 11/29, 10-11:45 a.m. with a service following at 12 p.m., at Saddleback Chapel, Tustin, Ca.
The preceding information came from the SSDI and the Orange County Register newspaper.
I have not found an obituary in the The Telegraph archives yet, but I did find this article from May 3, 2007, about the benefit held for Ralph when he was sick.
It says:
Benefit to help man with cancer
"Family members are asking for help for a former Alton man suffering from pancreatic cancer.
"Ralph Bearce, 54, of Irvine, Calif., was born in Alton and graduated from Alton High School in 1970.
"His family will hold a dinner and auction at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Owl's Club, 227 Blair Ave. in Alton, to help with medical expenses.
"More than 100 items will be available for bidding, including a three-day, two-night Branson package for four with tickets to Silver Dollar City; a tool box; a sapphire and diamond bracelet; and many golf packages. Tickets are $12 for one person, $20 for two and $4 for children under 12.
"Bearce and his high school sweetheart, the former Kathy Shaw, were married in 1970 at the First Presbyterian Church and moved to California.
"Bearce started working at a grocery store and worked his way into management. Eventually, he became a successful sales representative, selling house shutters and window treatments. His wife stayed home to take care of their three daughters, Tracey, Tammy and Tonya.
"In 2005, Bearce underwent 13 hours of surgery to correct five aneurysms, one on his aorta. The doctors cleared him to return to work after his surgery, but he never felt quite right. The doctors then told him he had diabetes. A later diagnosis proved his problem was not diabetes but pancreatic cancer.
"Bearce had more surgery in November on his pancreas and has undergone radiation. Because their bedrooms are upstairs in their home, the living room furniture has been stored in the garage and the living room has been turned into Bearce's bedroom. His wife takes care of him and makes sure he gets the twice-a-day drip chemotherapy he requires.
"'Ralph is in a hospital bed in his living room. This is so sad for all of us,' said Janice Philipp, Bearce's sister-in-law. 'Ralph and Kathy and their family need everyone's prayers. I need the public's help in making this a success.'
"Other family members coordinating the auction are Bernie Shaw, Bearce's brother-in-law, and his nieces and nephews, Carrie Schildroth, Jane Spencer and the Rev. Charles Spencer.
"Donations may be sent to the Atlas Credit Union, care of Ralph Bearce, 211 E. Madison Ave., Wood River, IL 62095.""
David B McKean
The only information available at this time for Ralph D. Bearce is as follows:born: 11-27-1952
died: 11-27-2007
He was living in Irvine, Orange County, Ca at the time of his death. The report of his death to SSA was verified through observation of a death certificate. An obituary notice was recorded in the Orange County Register edition of 11-29-2007. His viewing was on Thursday, 11/29, 10-11:45 a.m. with a service following at 12 p.m., at Saddleback Chapel, Tustin, Ca.
The preceding information came from the SSDI and the Orange County Register newspaper.
Ruth E Mitchell (Bell)
I have not found an obituary in the The Telegraph archives yet, but I did find this article from May 3, 2007, about the benefit held for Ralph when he was sick. It says: Benefit to help man with cancer "Family members are asking for help for a former Alton man suffering from pancreatic cancer. "Ralph Bearce, 54, of Irvine, Calif., was born in Alton and graduated from Alton High School in 1970. "His family will hold a dinner and auction at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Owl's Club, 227 Blair Ave. in Alton, to help with medical expenses. "More than 100 items will be available for bidding, including a three-day, two-night Branson package for four with tickets to Silver Dollar City; a tool box; a sapphire and diamond bracelet; and many golf packages. Tickets are $12 for one person, $20 for two and $4 for children under 12. "Bearce and his high school sweetheart, the former Kathy Shaw, were married in 1970 at the First Presbyterian Church and moved to California. "Bearce started working at a grocery store and worked his way into management. Eventually, he became a successful sales representative, selling house shutters and window treatments. His wife stayed home to take care of their three daughters, Tracey, Tammy and Tonya. "In 2005, Bearce underwent 13 hours of surgery to correct five aneurysms, one on his aorta. The doctors cleared him to return to work after his surgery, but he never felt quite right. The doctors then told him he had diabetes. A later diagnosis proved his problem was not diabetes but pancreatic cancer. "Bearce had more surgery in November on his pancreas and has undergone radiation. Because their bedrooms are upstairs in their home, the living room furniture has been stored in the garage and the living room has been turned into Bearce's bedroom. His wife takes care of him and makes sure he gets the twice-a-day drip chemotherapy he requires. "'Ralph is in a hospital bed in his living room. This is so sad for all of us,' said Janice Philipp, Bearce's sister-in-law. 'Ralph and Kathy and their family need everyone's prayers. I need the public's help in making this a success.' "Other family members coordinating the auction are Bernie Shaw, Bearce's brother-in-law, and his nieces and nephews, Carrie Schildroth, Jane Spencer and the Rev. Charles Spencer. "Donations may be sent to the Atlas Credit Union, care of Ralph Bearce, 211 E. Madison Ave., Wood River, IL 62095.""