The Lord took unto Himself Ralph C. Crump, aged 89, of Grand Rapids, on Sunday, November 22, 2009. He was born March 4, 1920 in Ragland, Alabama the son of Mellon and Emma (Bunt) Crump. Ralph was a veteran of World War II proudly serving in the U.S. Navy. He was employed at General Motors and retired in 1979 after 27 years of service. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Myrtle the mother of his children; second wife, Ardella; two brothers, Byron and Harold, stepdaughter, Vawn Punches. Surviving are his children, Randy (Gloria) Crump, Diane (Walter) Dunbar, Donna Korstange, Linda Crump, Burdette (Jeanne) Helenius, and Sid (Nancy) Helenius; grandchildren, Ryan, Darren, Nikki, Charlie, Dena, Danielle, Laars, Kyle, Tara, Amanda, and April; 17 great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, www.blisswitterspike.com on Tuesday from 6-8 pm. The service of praise of thanksgiving to God for the life of this honorable man will be held Wednesday 11:00 am at the funeral home. Pastor Bob Dennis officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Military honors under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans for the love and care that was given to their father, particularly the staff of 2 South. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Michigan Veterans Homes, P.O. Box 150251, Grand Rapids, MI 49515
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, www.blisswitterspike.com