Ralph "Ozzie" Persinger
July 27, 1936 - April 8, 2023
Ralph “Ozzie” Persinger, 86, passed April 8, 2023, at Gibson Family Center for Hospice, surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was born to the late Grover and Irene (Neiswinger) Persinger on July 27, 1936 in Clay County.
Ralph graduated from Ashboro High School. On August 24, 1958, Ralph married the love of his life, Janice Spear, who preceded him in death in 2019. In 1963 he began working for Amax Coal Company in Staunton where he worked until retirement in 1998. He was a proud member of the UMWA where he was a former president of their Local. He was very involved in the Miners Picnic which was a charity for the local orphan children. Throughout his life he was involved in agriculture, and was known for the famous Persinger Sweet Corn which he would never accept money for. Ralph was a member of the Saline City Labor Day Picnic Association. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge Centennial 541, OES Chapter #80 Brazil where he was a past patron, Scottish Rite, and the Kerman Grotto.
Upon retirement Ralph and Janice spent their winters in Bradenton, Florida. When in Florida they attended the United Methodist Church. When in Indiana they attended Cory Zion Church. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapshooting, bowling, and he loved spending time with his family. Ralph had never met a stranger, if he knew you, you were family. He was known for his generosity and the ability to make the best out of any situation.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, as well as his loving wife, Janice, one son in law, Jack Oberholtzer, one grandson, Benjamin Oberholtzer, and a great grandson, Oliver Persinger, sister and brother in law, Polly and Max Johnson, and brother Dick Persinger, and brother in law Bill Reed.
Ralph is survived by his children, Pam Oberholtzer of Brazil, Penny Cooprider (Chip) of Centerpoint, Tim Persinger (Michele) of Clay City, Robin Swalls (Alan) of Brazil, and Andy Persinger (Angie) of Clay City, nine grandchildren, Eric Oberholtzer (Bradi), Ryan Persinger (Katie), Calvin Curtis (Stacy), Daniel Curtis (Shearea), Seth Curtis (Amber), Tanner Persinger (Brandi), Hunter Collins (Trisha), Mason Persinger (Laci), Korey Utterback (Nate), Mark Leburn (Amanda), Heath Cooprider (Rebecca), and Britany Wilson (Patrick), 24 great grandchildren, Gracie, Mayven, Ethan, Rylan, Malee (Derek), Josie, Cody, Kyler, Nolan, Kinsley, Cynthia, Kealynn, Izzy, Addy, Elijah, Remi, Rogan, Charli, River, Ramsey, Tori, Olivia, Avery, Freya, Lizzie (Timothy), Hunter, Zac, Adonis, Cici, Evalette, and Koden, two great great grandchildren, Julia and Nola, one brother, Larry Persinger (Rita), and one sister, Debbie Reed, as well as nieces, nephews and extended family members. He is also survived by his four legged best friend, Buddy.
A visitation will be held Saturday, April 15th from 11-2 at Lawson-Miller Chapel, 1702 East National Avenue in Brazil. A funeral service will begin at 2 P.M. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maple Grove Cemetery Association, 1440 West County Road 800 South Clay City, Indiana 47841 or Wabash Valley Hospice Gibson Family Center 400 8th Avenue Terre Haute, Indiana 47804.
