GARTIN

John "Ralph" Gartin, 88, of London passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024, at his home.

Born on October 24, 1935, in Harts, WV, he was the son of Silas and Carrie (Browning) Gartin.

Ralph was a veteran and honorably served his country as a soldier in the United States Army. After his service, he moved to Ohio and worked for the JT Edwards Steel Company for over 20 years. He then worked at General Motors before retiring in 1998. He was a member of UAW Local #969.

Ralph was a faithful member of Antioch Free Will Baptist Church in Mount Sterling. He loved the outdoors and never stopped moving. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, raising chickens, and watching purple martins. Ralph raised a garden every year that rivaled any in Madison County. He loved listening to bluegrass music. Ralph was known as a kind, wise, gentle, and generous soul who never knew a stranger. He was a dedicated family man who always thought of others before himself. Ralph was a blessing to everyone who knew him, especially to those who called him family.

Ralph is survived by his daughter Joyce Richardson, son Larry (Diane) Gartin; grandsons Derek (Hannah) Richardson, John (Dana) Gartin and Brandon Gartin; step-grandchildren Logan, Sydney, and Maddux Golden; great-grandchildren Brylee, Trey, Charlotte, and Ryan Gartin; siblings Leonard (Joanne) Gartin, Ronald (Sandy) Gartin and Audrey (Lee) Blaine; best friends Art and Connie Salyer; and many nieces, nephews, and beloved family members.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 44 years Barbara (Porter) Gartin; and his siblings Mescal Frye, Ray Gartin, Maxine Workman, Okey Gartin, Odessa Manns, and Hettie Gartin.

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 N. Main Street, London, with Pastor Jim Blankenship officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Cemetery, Mount Sterling. Friends may call at the funeral home from 11 AM until the time of services Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ralph's name be made to Antioch Free Will Baptist Church, 12285 Kiousville-Palestine Rd. Mount Sterling, Ohio 43143.

Online condolences for the family may be sent to www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.