GARDINER – Ralph A. Strout, 76, died Feb. 29, 2008, at the Veterans’ Admin-istration Togus Division, after a long illness. He was born Nov. 14, 1931, in Richmond, the eldest son of Richard A. and Gertrude M. (Moore) Strout. Ralph graduated in 1950 from Richmond High School and earned a degree in mortuary science from New England Institute of Anatomy, presently known as Mount Ida College, in 1962. Ralph actively served in the U.S. Army as a corporal in the military police during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge in 1954. Ralph was employed as a funeral director at Amesbury-White Funeral Home, Gardiner, for more than 30 years. Prior to working as a funeral director, he also worked for the Boston and Maine Railroad. Ralph was a member of the Masons, Village Lodge No. 26, Bowdoinham. He was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen “Kay” A. Strout and parents. He is survived by his daughter, Amy K.S. Hogan and son-in-law, Richard W. Ho-gan, of Brunswick; son, Matthew A. Strout of Winthrop; sister, Phyllis S. Pushard of Bangor; brother, Richard A. Strout of Richmond; two grand-sons, Patrick and John; and two nephews, Robert E. Push-ard Jr. of Dedham and Richard D. Pushard of Bar Harbor. A funeral service will take place 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, at Father LeClair Maine Veterans’ Cemetery, Augusta, with military honors. In Ralph’s memory donations may be made to Togus VA Medical Center, VA Voluntary Services, NHCU72, Togus, ME 04330. Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Pleasant St., Richmond.
RALPH A. STROUT
