Ralph Edgar Manlove, 87, of Ottumwa, IA passed away on Tuesday June 7, 2022, at his home. A graveside service with military honors will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Ottumwa, IA. Memorial contributions in Ralph’s honor may be directed to the Heartland Humane Society or to the ImpactLife Blood Donation Center. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Ralph Edgar Manlove was born on October 1, 1934, in Quincy, IL to Everet and Ruby Wright Manlove. His early years were spent in Quincy where he attended school. After school he served in the Air Force and fought in the Korean War. In 1976 a supervisor job at the Lowenberg Bakery would bring Ralph to Ottumwa, IA. This would begin a career in the bakery industry that lasted over 20 years. He spent several of those years in the supervisor position before taking a job as a delivery driver, which he would continue to do until his retirement. Ralph met Nancy Chance in 1978 and the two were married on December 19, 1979. They loved the family that they had together, and Ralph cared deeply for his children and stepchildren. Ralph retired in 1996 but remained busy with the kids helping with their home renovation ideas. He was a talented craftsman and could make almost anything. One of his favorite hobbies was woodworking where he made everything from picnic tables to end tables for friends and family. Nothing was ever done with the expectation of payment, including volunteering to mow the ball fields when they were short on help, as well as community projects. Ralph remained active and always wanted to experience new things, including skydiving for the first time at the age of 70, an experience he always loved to talk about, skydiving many other times, with several of his children, along with flying a glider (aircraft), riding along in a drag race, and taking pilot lessons. Over the course of his life, he donated almost 25 gallons of blood. He was a Chicago Cubs fan and an animal lover who would care for stray cats and had a special place in his heart for his four-legged companion, Pepper. He enjoyed feeding the squirrels in the Ottumwa Park and walking the trail. Ralph never missed the opportunity to spoil his grandchildren, always fully stocked with sweet treats even if it would spoil their dinner. Ralph will be missed, but the stories and memories will remain in the hearts of his family and many friends.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Deloris Brosi, and a brother Robert “Bobby” Manlove.
Left to share his story is his wife, Nancy, sister Cora Leake, and children Angela Quincy, Bud Manlove, and Kate (Eric) Dodson. His stepchildren Frank Cloke, Dave Cloke, Dawn (Craig) Brown, Jan (Bill) Birch, and Laura Thompson (Eric Snyder); 20 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, along with many more extended family and friends.
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