Ralph Wellsfry

Ralph Percy Wellsfry was born on August 27, 1935 to Walter and Edna Wellsfry in Chico, CA and raised in
Chico and nearby Paradise CA. Ralph passed away peacefully in Canon City CO at age 89 after a short
illness and went home to be with the Lord on August 31, 2024. Ralph’s passing marks the end of an era
as he was the youngest and last surviving of the eight Wellsfry boys.
After graduation from Chico High School in 1954 Ralph entered the family-owned painting business
before proudly serving in the US Army at Ford Ord in Monterey CA and then Fort Sill in Oklahoma. A
lingering high school football knee injury prematurely ended his military service.
Prior to joining the service Ralph was introduced to the love of his life, his beautiful and supportive wife
Marilyn Waters by her sister Sylvia and friend Denny Milhouse on a blind date! Marilyn graduated from
Chico High School in 1957. The young couple married on September 6, 1958. Sadly, Marilyn
predeceased Ralph on March 1, 2024. They were married for sixty-five years.
Ralph and Marilyn raised their four children in Sacramento and Chico before moving to San Jose Ca in
1968. Ralph owned his own painting and wallpaper business and had a reputation as a true craftsman
and perfectionist—earning the friendship and respect of countless clients over the years. The family
were longtime active members of Willow Glen Baptist Church and Ralph volunteered many hours
painting and helping to maintain the Church buildings. Ralph was also a sports fan and really enjoyed
watching tennis and his beloved San Francisco Giants—even attending the infamous 1989 World Series
Earthquake game against the Oakland A’s. Ralph also enjoyed bowling and was a truly passionate ping
pong player!
After retirement, Ralph and Marilyn built a beautiful custom home in Georgetown CA. Ralph served as
his own foreman did an amazing job. The couple spent some happy years there until they decided to
move closer to family and relocated to Paradise. They joined the Hope Christian Church in Paradise and
Ralph again volunteered his time and talents painting the church. Ralph and Marilyn bravely survived
the devastating 2018 Paradise Campfire though sadly losing their home and possessions. Their faith
carried them through the many challenges and they ultimately relocated to a retirement community
near daughter Laurel in Canon City CO. The family celebrated the couple’s sixty-first wedding
anniversary in 2019 by taking a memorable cruise to Alaska.
Ralph is survived by his sons Mark (Lori) and Walter (Leslie) and daughter Laurel (Paul). Son Greg
(Natalie) sadly passed away suddenly in 2016. Ralph and Marilyn had eleven grandchildren, four great
granddaughters, and many loved nieces and nephews.
Ralph and Marilyn will both be greatly missed… A special joint Celebration of Life for Ralph and Marilyn
will be held in on October 26th at the Evangelical Free Church of Chico at 1193 Filbert Avenue at 3pm.
Donations may be made in Ralph’s name to the Christian Church of their choice.

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