Ralph Edwin Lee , age 86 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 surrounded by his family at Community Hospital in Anderson. He was born Aug. 7, 1938 in Elwood, the son of Charles and Jean (Jackson) Lee. Ralph lost both his parents and grandfather Jackson at a very young age, so he was raised by his grandmother, Gladys Jackson. Ralph was a 1956 graduate of Wendell L Wilkie High School.  He began his strong work ethic at a young age. While in high school, Ralph worked full time at Dietzen's Bakery before school and after school at Frenchie's Bakery in Elwood. After graduation Ralph went to work at Delco Remy in Anderson and retired from there in 1995 after 32 years of employment.

Ralph married the love of his life, Mildred Lorene Bogard, on April 19, 1958, and they were blessed with 64 years of marriage before Mildred's passing in May of 2022. Ralph and Mildred formerly attended the Third Street Church of God for many years. Ralph was one of the founding members of the former 50-Plus Club. He was a lifetime member of the Elwood Conservation Club and a lifetime member of the NRA. Ralph especially loved to play cards. He took pride in his yard and was very meticulous about the way it was kept. Ralph enjoyed hunting and fishing and was always up for a road trip or camping trip. In his younger years, he changed the oil in his cars and always made sure cars were clean and in good running order. He was known for making the best pies, pastries, and donuts all from scratch.

Ralph was a remarkable man that would do anything he could for anybody. He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Ralph's family finds peace and comfort knowing that he's back with the love of his life, Mildred, rejoicing in Heaven.

Ralph is survived by his 3 children, Doris Lee-Shaw of Muncie, Sharon (Brian) Haynes of Elwood, and Marcus Lee of Elwood; brother, Charles "Bill" (Claire) Lee of Anderson; sister-in-Law, Joan Jackson of Elwood; 6 grandchildren, Christopher (Debbie) Shaw, Melissa (Jon) Bucur, Kaylee (Doug) Rosenbaum, Phillip Morris, Rebecca (Tim) Flannery, and Abigale (Stephen) Foy; 10 great-grandchildren, Olivia (Luis) Santos, Micah, Tyler Shaw, Allison Bucur, Kade Bucur, Connor Sylvester, Hunter Rosenbaum, Leah Rosenbaum, Laila Flannery, and another expected in July - Abraham Foy; a great-great grandchild, Rafael Santos; and several nieces and nephews.  Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ray Jackson and Marvin Jackson; his lifelong friends, Danny and Bernie Hayes; great- grandchild Brian Rosenbaum; and love of his life, Mildred Lee.

A funeral service celebrating Ralph's life and faith will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Brian Rominger.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am to 1 pm prior to the funeral Thursday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.