Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ralph W. Flanders

Jan. 28, 1927 - July 14, 2001

South Bend Tribune 7/16/2201

Ralph W. Flanders, 74, formerly residing on Rolling Acres Drive, South Bend, passed away at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 14, 2001 in Ironwood Health and Rehabilitation Center, where he was admitted on Thursday. He was born Jan. 28, 1927 in South Bend as the son of William Clyde and Agnes (Zehner) Flanders, and has been a lifelong resident of this area. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Diane Brogan on Aug. 6, 1988. He retired as a salesman in the Appliance Department of Robertson's Dept. Store in downtown South Bend.

On Nov. 22, 1987 in South Side Church of God, South Bend, he married Nancy A. Beard who survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Deborah and Steve Rogers of Columbus, Ohio; a son, Ralph William Flanders II of Greencastle, Ind.; four step-daughters, Tracy Harshman of South Bend, Terri (Ron) Blye of South Bend, Tamara (John) Green of Edwardsburg, Mich., and Tonya Harshman of South Bend. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Heather Kruger, Laurel and Clayton Rogers and Ian Flanders; seven step-grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and a "favorite" cousin, Melba Wolfe of South Bend. Ralph was a member of South Side Church of God and was a 1945 graduate of James Whitcomb Riley High School.

Services for Mr. Flanders will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2001 in South Side Church of God, 7351 U.S. 31 South, South Bend. Rev. Greg Crump, pastor and Rev. Wayne Brock will officiate. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 - 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, and one hour prior to services Wednesday in the church. Memorial contributions in memory of Ralph W. Flanders may be offered to South Side Church of God, 7351 U.S. 31 South, South Bend, 46614 or to New Beginnings Community Fellowship, 19688 Kern Road, South Bend, Ind., 46614.