Ralph W. Witherell

Ralph W. Witherell WARWICK- Ralph W. Witherell, 95, of 1055 Orange Road, died on Monday morning, December 12, 2005 at the Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, NH following an illness. Born on June 12, 1910 in Warwick, he was a son of George A. and Florence Houghton Witherell and spent his life living in Warwick and attending grade school there. He graduated from Orange High School in 1928. He was married to Flora H. Ripley on September 4, 1936 and enjoyed 69 years together. A longtime employee of the former Union Twist Drill Company in Athol, he retired in 1973 after 46 years of service. Active in the Town of Warwick, he served as Town Moderator for 25 years, Town Auditor several years, and a member of the Historical Commission. A Past Master of the Warwick Grange #85, he also served the Warwick Pomona Grange and was active with the Warwick Historical Society. He was a member of the Orange Senior Citizens Club and AARP. An avid painter, he painted 15 Warwick scenes which are now displayed at the Warwick Library. He also enjoyed gardening and writing poetry and had built his own house 68 years ago. Ralph was also a talented musician and played the accordian and had performed with the Mt. Grace Mountaineers during the 30's and 40's. Besides his beloved wife Flora of Warwick, he is survived by a son, Edwin R. Witherell of South Portland, Maine; daughters, Carol L. Sammon of Enfield, CT, and Dorothy J. Hincks of Yarmouth, ME; 11 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Roland E. Witherell in 1992. A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2005 at 2:00PM in the Metcalf Memorial Chapel on Athol Road in Warwick Center. Interment in Warwick Center Cemetery will be private. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 from 6-8PM at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Warwick Historical Society, c/o Larry Carey, 21 Pine Street, Warwick, MA 01378 Witty's Funeral Home, Orange, is directing the arrangements. Guest register and directions available at www.wittyfuneralhome.com