In Memory

Ralph F Deems - Class Of 1938

Ralph F Deems

Ralph Francis Deems passed away with dignity December 3, 2011 at the California Veterans Home in Yountville, California.  Ralph, son of Ralph F. Deems and Orrilla Daggett (SPHS '16) was born March 31, 1920 and grew up in the Pasadena area.  He attended schools in San Marino and South Pasadena and attended Occidental College in Los Angeles for two years before entering the U.S. Navy in 1943.  Ralph was a Naval aviator assigned to the Naval Mission to Brazil and was personal staff pilot to Admiral William Monroe, Commander of the South Atlantic theatre.

Ralph married Ruth Pfister (SPHS '39) in 1943 and they were together for fifty years during which time they lovingly raised three children.  Subsequently, he and his family returned to Brazil where he worked for Sears Roebuck as credit and collections manager and resided in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.  On returning to the United States, he became a sales representative for several eastern U.S. manufacturers, and his territory was the eleven western states.  He also operated private warehousing in Los Angeles.  His last position prior to retirement was in sales with Riverside Manufacturing, Moultrie, Georgia, a company which makes career apparel and uniforms.

After the passing of his loving wife, Ruth, Ralph married Mary Jane Eno (SPHS '35) in 1993 and moved to Santa Rosa, California.  Ralph is survived by his son, Andrew Deems and his wife Kathryn; his son Marshall Deems and his wife Barbara; and his daughter, Christina Deems.  Ralph has four grandchildren, Leslie and Matthew Deems, Kimberly and Brandon Ketterman; and one great-grandchild, Ryan Murphy.

Playing tennis, gardening, and volunteer work were his favorite activities.  He was a generous man greatly loved by his family and long time friends and will be deeply missed.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, January 5, 2012