Ralph Loftin

Ralph Loftin was born on July 9, 1928. He lived all 88 years of his life in the Cardwell, Missouri area. His parents were the late W. T. and Zona (Hill) Loftin, and his siblings were Edith, Lorene, Geraldine, and Wayne. He graduated from Cardwell High School in 1946. In 1948, he married Juanita Williams. The two of them had three children, Teresa, Joe Dan, and Jeffrey. They helped raise another child, Coy Lancaster, who was left an orphan at 15 months old. Coy's wife, Peggy, has been Ralph’s caregiver for the past two years.

Ralph’s first granddaughter, Melissa Wood Meeker, also preceded him in death. His surviving grandchildren are Julie, Emily, Daniel, Sarah, Meredith Rose, Max, Evelyn and Wesley. His foster grandchildren are Lacrisha, Candice, Paige Anne, Jackson, Xavier, and Xander.

Ralph was a member of the Cockrum Church of Christ. He loved and protected his wife, children, and grandchildren. He inherited his “true grit” and strong work ethic from his dad and his kind and gentle spirit from his mother. He never had a bad word to say about anybody. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation is Wednesday from 1-2 PM at Heath Funeral Home. The funeral begins at 2 with Eddie Dunigan officiating. Burial is in Cardwell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Cardwell Cemetery, Children’s Home of Paragould, or an organization of your choice.