Obituary of Ralph E. Bartholomew

Mr. Ralph E. Bartholomew, 98, of Sunset Circle, Wells, New York passed away Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Nathan Littauer Nursing Home in Gloversville.

Born on April 30, 1919 in Springfield Center, NY, he was the son of Frank Bartholomew and Edith Moyer Bartholomew.  He attended school at Springfield Center and had been a resident of Wells for the past 30 years.

Mr. Bartholomew was a Highway Supervisor for the Town of Minden for many years.

He attended the Fort Plain Reformed Church.

Mr. Bartholomew enjoyed working on cars, traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, and all over the United States.  His biggest passion was gardening.  He also enjoyed flying and had his license to fly Small Aircraft.  He was a Master Mechanic and could make anything purr again.  He loved animals as well.

On July 3, 1987 in Harring, NY, Ralph was married to Janis Dingman.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Iris M. Ripple on October 13, 1977.  His siblings, Lily Roseboom, Ellen Bartholomew, Myrtle Empie; and son-in-law, Albon Harrington also predeceased him.

Mr. Bartholomew is survived by his wife, Janis Bartholomew; 5 daughters, Joyce Rice and Gene of FL, Bonnie Shults of CA, Gail Jordan and Ronald of Fort Plain, NY, Karen Lawson and Ron of Fort Plain, NY, Wendy James and Kevin of Nelliston, NY; sons, Ralph Bartholomew, Jr. of Fort Plain, NY, Mark Bartholomew and Lisa of FL; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 26, 2018 at 11:00am at The Fort Plain Reformed Church, Canal Street, Fort Plain, NY with Rev. Nancy Ryan officiating.  The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, February 26th from 10:00-11:00am at the Church.  Arrangements are entrusted to Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY.  Burial will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery at a later date.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Ralph E. Bartholomew may be made to the Fort Plain Reformed Church, 165 Canal Street, Fort Plain, NY or to Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc., 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166.