Ralph Ellett

Ralph “R.E.” Ellett, 88, a resident of LeClaire, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at his home.

There will be no services held at this time. Burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire or the LeClaire Fire Department. McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on May 30, 1926 in Kansas City, MO, Ralph was the son of Benjamin and Lucy Lorraine (Hartman) Ellett. On November 14, 1953 in East Moline, he married June Adams.

Ralph served his country in the United States Army from 1945-1947 with occupational forces in Japan.

Ralph worked as an electrician at Alcoa for 37 years. He was a volunteer at the Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire for 15 years and was a marshal for the John Deere Classic for 15 years.

Ralph was a 50 year member of the Buffalo Bill American Legion Post 347 in LeClaire, a 10 year volunteer fire fighter with the LeClaire Fire Department and served 6 years on the Pleasant Valley School Board. Ralph enjoyed golf, jogging and carpentry.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, June; sons, Lee (Sara) Ellett of Somis, CA and Gary (Cheryl) Ellett of Westminster, MD; daughters, Karen (Randy) Vavra of Byron, IL and Lynn (Dan) Eggers of West Branch, IA; eleven grandchildren; and brother, Jim (Carol) Ellett of Woodberry, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Brooks Ellett.