Ralph J. Grass

GRASS, Ralph Joseph, 91, MARS HILL, at Presque Isle, June 12, 2011. A graveside service will be conducted 2 p.m., Thursday, June 16, 2011, at King’s Grove Cemeterey, Mars Hill. A reception will follow at the home of Larry and Denise Kingsbury. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Mars Hill.

MARS HILL – Ralph J. Grass, 91, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2011, at a Presque Isle hospital. He was born February 8, 1920, in Mars Hill, the son of Eldridge and Zipporah (Hodgdon) Grass.

Ralph graduated from the Aroostook Central Institute, Mars Hill. He served in the European Theater during WWII. After the war, Ralph worked in the potato industry and for the International Boundary Commission.

Upon retirement, he enjoyed his garden, birds and helping friends. He was a lifelong member of Hayward-Frazier V.F.W. Post #2599 in Presque Isle.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was predeceased by his two wives: Ena (Bowen) Grass and Maxine (Collins) Bird Grass; three siblings: Jean, Clarence and Clifford; a son, Daniel Bird; son-in-law, Alden Dyer Sr.; and a grandson, Jason Charette.

He is survived by his children: Arnold Grass and his wife, Virginia, Sheila Stanionis and her husband, James, Karen Dyer, Sheryl Bird, Roderick Collins and his wife, Judy, Brenda Charette and her husband, Carl, Denise Kingsbury and her husband, Larry; 21 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind two sisters: Crystal Sprague and Hope Field.

A graveside service will be conducted 2 p.m., Thursday, June 16, 2011, at King’s Grove Cemetery, Mars Hill, with Pastor Lawrence Beals officiating. Following the service, a reception will be held at the home of Larry and Denise Kingsbury, 60 Old Houlton Rd., Bridgewater. Those who wish may make donations in Ralph’s memory to the charity of one’s choice. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kenneth and Linda Gaunido, Dr. Robert Shaw, Steve Porter P.A., Dr. Lawrence Crystal, Dr. Celso Dias, who assisted with his care, Rhonda Bosse at the Wound Center, and the staff at the Aroostook Medical Center.

Arrangements in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 8 Main St., Mars Hill.  Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com