MARS HILL – Ralph J. Grass, 91, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2011, at a Presque Isle hospital. He was born Feb. 8, 1920, in Mars Hill, the son of Eldridge and Zipporah (Hodgdon) Grass.
Ralph graduated from Aroostook Central Institute, Mars Hill. He served in the European Theater during World War II. After the war, Ralph worked in the potato industry and for International Boundary Commission. Upon retirement he enjoyed his garden, birds and helping friends. He was a lifelong member of Hayward-Frazier Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2599, 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, 24 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind two sisters, Crystal Sprague and Hope Field. 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 Aroostook Medical Center.
A graveside service will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at King’s Grove Cemetery, Mars Hill, with Pastor Lawrence Beals officiating. After the service, a reception will be held at the home of Larry and Denise Kingsbury, 60 Old Houlton Road, Bridgewater. Those who wish may make donations in Ralph’s memory to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 8 Main St., Mars Hill. Condolences may be expressed at
www.duncan-graves.com.