Ralph C. Skirvin

Ralph C. (Pop) Skirvin passed away quietly at home in Plainfield, just a week shy of his 97th birthday. Born on November 2, 1913, he was the son of Corda (Young) and Fred Skirvin. The second oldest of six siblings, he grew up on the family farm in Unionville, IN. Ralph married Norma Nickless in 1940, who preceded him in death in 2002. The moved to Plainfield in 1956 and spent good years raising their family. As Norma's eyesight began to fail, Ralph became her primary caregiver and sous chef in the kitchen. Her vivacious, outgoing personality was a good match to his quiet, unassuming ways and he missed her dearly upon her passing. Ralph was a highly patriotic man, having served in WWII in battles and campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Ardennes. Consequently, he was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon with Five Bronze Stars and a Good Conduct Ribbon. He was a qualified rifle sharpshooter, having honed that skill hunting for squirrels on the family farm. He was a member of the VFW Post 0118, for 23 years. Ralph retired in 1980, having spent nearly 65 years as a master carpenter and foreman in commercial construction throughout Central Indiana. After retirement, he began woodworking in the shop he built behind his house. He made furniture, grandfather clocks, beautiful shelves, intricate wooden wristwatches and anything else that struck his fancy. Most items went as gifts to family and friends. His labors of love were most evident in the things he made for his beloved grandchildren, including a toy chest and fishing pole holder for his grandson, Ryan, and a cradle and changing table for his granddaughter, Rebecca. Ralph didn't care for politicians, but was always abreast of current events and the political scene. He mailed in his absentee ballot for the upcoming November election a week before his death. Ralph loved music and reading and when he wasn't mowing the lawn or baking a pie, would relax in his recliner in the TV room with a large print book from the Plainfield Public Library and the music of clarinetist, Acker Bilk, on the CD player. He was an avid Indianapolis Colts and Indiana University Hoosiers fan and never missed watching a game from his favorite chair. Up until his 96th birthday, when failing health prevented it, Ralph would travel to visit his son Donald and daughter Karen who lived in Seattle, WA, and Lake Forest, CA, respectively. His oldest son, Ron, lived in nearby Clayton and was his constant companion in the final weeks of his life. Ralph is survived by his three children, Ron, Donald and Karen, daughter-in-law Becky Skirvin, son-in-law Steven Wolf, grandson, Ryan Skirvin, granddaughter, Rebecca Wolf, sister-in-law Rosie Skirvin, sister and brother-in-law, Macil and Larry Lambert; sister Erma Polley and the scores of nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Ralph. Ralph will also be missed by the animals in his life including Sherlock, Genie, and Eddie and the little stray cat, Midnight, he recently began feeding in his backyard. Viewing will be from 4-8:00 pm on Thursday October 28, 2010 in the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Services will be on Friday October 29, in the Little Union Baptist Church in Unionville, IN at 11:00 with calling there one hour prior to services. Internment will follow immmediately with military honors at New Unionville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any veteran's organization. A life well lived and a man well loved...that was Ralph.