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Author: chastain
16

Ralph Patrick TanksleyPassing: October 4, 2023

Service:

Mitchell First Baptist Church

Funeral Service

Saturday, October 7th @ 2:00pm

Visitation:

Mitchell First Baptist Church

Saturday, October 7th @ 10:00am-2:00pm

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Saturday, October 7th

MITCHELL- Ralph Patrick Tanksley, 87, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at his residence.

Born March 17, 1936, he was the son of Roy Noble and Ruby (Taylor) Tanksley. He married Charlotte Kay Hopper on August 19, 1956, and she survives.

Ralph was a 1954 graduate of Mitchell High School and was awarded the Oral Dalton Award. He was an active member of the Mitchell First Baptist Church. Ralph retired from Lehigh Cement Company and after retirement worked at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Ralph and Kay operated R & K Gifts and County Pathways for many years. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing, golfing, and was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan. Ralph was a great cook and an even better family man. He was a friend to all.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Tanksley of Mitchell; daughter, Kathleen Louise (Dwight) Gilstrap of Paris, Tennessee; son, Kevin Lee (Melissa) Tanksley of Loogootee; and grandchildren, Shelby (Bailey) McNary, Emily Gilstrap, Abby Grace Gilstrap, Zachary (Joy) Tanksley, and Bailey Tanksley.

His parents; daughter in infancy, Krystal Lynn Tanksley; and siblings, John Tanksley, Ruth Sipes, Rowenna Elrod, Roland Tanksley, Russell Tanksley, Rex Tanksley, Ronald Tanksley, Roy Tanksley, and Roger Tanksley, preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7, at the Mitchell First Baptist Church with Reverend Reggie Clark and Pastor Dave Mikulsky officiating. Burial will follow at Mitchell Cemetery.

Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the church.

Memorial Gifts:  Mitchell First Baptist Church

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16 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: John Hardman | Bloomington, In.
    Date: October 10, 2023
    Worked with Ralph for several years! He was always in a good mood and a joy to be around! He loved to play tricks on his co-workers! And he was a good electrician! Condolences to Kay and all his family!🙏
  2. Guest: Scott Fields | Mitchell, IN
    Date: October 8, 2023
    Kay and family, I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ralph. I know that there will be a giant hole where this man stood. The years we spent together working at Lehigh are some of my fondest memories. The laughter, tears and anger we shared as we toiled together are etched into my heart. Ralph taught me so much about how to work and how to treat people that I tried to carry on after he retired. He was a great guy and I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. But know that he has rejoined a lot of those coworkers and there is laughter heard from the heavens. Peace, ~pete
  3. Guest: Carla Taylor | Ft Myers, Fl
    Date: October 6, 2023
    Kay, Kathy and Kevin, I am so sorry! Our families had so many fun times together. Ralph always had a friendly smile and such a kind way about him. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs
  4. Guest: Tina Earl | Williams
    Date: October 6, 2023
    Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family!
  5. Guest: Judy Williams | Mitchell, IN
    Date: October 6, 2023
    I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss my dear friend, Rotten Ralph. Sincerely, Judy.
  6. Guest: Krystal Shetler | Mitchell
    Date: October 6, 2023
    Kay, Kevin, Kathleen and family, I had the opportunity to meet Ralph when I did a story on the Oral Dalton Award for the newspaper. I interviewed his brother, who was at Mitchell Manor, as well as Ralph, who met me at the nursing home for the visit. From that time on, Ralph treated me as a friend. I am truly going to miss that smile of his. I don't think there is another smile in this world as bright and friendly as Ralph's was. He really was a ray of light and a treasured part of this community. I know you have so many wonderful memories, and I hope those help you get through the days, weeks and months ahead. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
  7. Guest: Steven Gilbert | Mitchell
    Date: October 5, 2023
    So sorry for your loss but Heaven gained a Great guy.
  8. Guest: Angela Taylor | Salem, In
    Date: October 5, 2023
    I'm so sorry for the pain that you must be feeling right now; please know that I am here for you if you need a listening ear or shoulder to cry on.” “I'm sending warm wishes of peace and comfort to you in this difficult time.” “I wish I could take away your pain, but know that I'm here for you if you need me.” So sorry Kevin and family
  9. Guest: Kyle Compton | Collbran, Colorado
    Date: October 5, 2023
    Sweet family I am so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was a ray of sunshine. Always smiling and teasing is kids. I loved him. Love and prayers for you all. Hold each other tight. Kyle
  10. Guest: Roy D Myers | Mesquite NV
    Date: October 5, 2023
    Kevin and Kathy So sorry for your loss.
  11. Guest: Cindy Tanksley Ryan | Canberra, Australia
    Date: October 5, 2023
    You all are in my prayers. Uncle Ralph was always so friendly and nice to talk to when I would see him. I always loved seeing him at the Tanksley reunion. He will definitely be missed. Sending love and condolences to Kay, Tim, Kathy and grandchildren.
  12. Guest: Keith Eckensberger | Cameron Park CA 95682
    Date: October 5, 2023
    So sorry for your loss. He was a good man .
  13. Guest: Bobby Brown | Venice Florida
    Date: October 5, 2023
    I’m very sorry Kay! Ralph sure was a good man!
  14. Guest: Rita Ball Ramey | Bedford, IN
    Date: October 5, 2023
    All of those Lehigh Mitchell boys have to be having a great time up there! Great guy! Prayers to the family and Kay Mike and Rita Ball Ramey
  15. Guest: Keely Thomas | Grove City, OH
    Date: October 5, 2023
    Kay, Kathy and Kevin! I am so sorry to hear the passing of Ralph. Our families have known each other for years, and Ralph was a such a wonderful, kind, and good Christian man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Mom and Dad both thought a lot about Ralph.
  16. Guest: Mary Lagle | Mitchell, IN
    Date: October 5, 2023
    Our sincere condolences Kay, Kathy and Kevin.He was a one of a kind that everybody loved including us. Love and prayers for your whole family. Gerry and Pauline

Phone: (812) 849-2600 | Fax: (812) 849-3323 | email: services@chastainfuneralhome.com

Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center