Ralph William Resley, 91, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, March 30, 2015, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center in Ellsworth, Kansas.

Ralph was born on July 15, 1923, in Bunker Hill, Kansas, the son of William H. and Mollie (Bender) Resley.  He grew up in the Russell area and graduated from Russell High School Class of 1941.  His baseball talents earned a scholarship to attend North Carolina State Teacher's College where he excelled as student athlete leaving after two years to serve his country in World War II.  He joined the United States Navy and was assigned to the South Pacific as motor machinist mate serving the same PT Boat base as John F. Kennedy.
 
After the war, he met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Nelda Marie Leathers on April 26, 1947, in Russell.  From this union which endured nearly 68 years, Ralph and Nelda were blessed with two children Roger and Linda.  Ralph worked for the US Postal Service for over 35 years. He was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church in Russell.  He was also a life member of the Russell American Legion Post #99 and V.F.W. Post #6240 and was also a member of the Russell Elks Lodge and former Exalted Ruler B.P.O.E #1715.

He enjoyed many hobbies but excelled as carpenter and handyman who could build and fix anything.  Love of the outdoors meant camping and boating at Lake Wilson, plus hunting, and fishing. Ralph loved all sports with a special fondness for the KSU Wildcats but most of all he enjoyed his beloved Kansas City Royals and was always thrilled with trips to Kaufman Stadium. The 1985 World Series a highlight.  As a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family and always cherished those special trips arranged by Roger and Linda.  Ralph traveled the world with his children but loved his native Kansas.    

Ralph is survived by his wife Nelda of the home, son Roger Resley and wife Betty of Olathe, Kansas and daughter Linda Scott and husband Steven of Johnston, Iowa; grandchildren Susie, Sarah, Stacey, Nicole, Michelle, Jamie and Tyler; great grandchildren Sophia, Anthony, Sylvia, Savannah, Sydney, Ayden, Austin, Shaylee, Bodee, Hannah and Carson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Annabell Webb-Powell.

A celebration of Ralph's life will be held at 2 P.M. on Friday April 03, 2015, at the First Congregational Church in Russell, with Pastor Ron Wedel and Pastor Max Clayton officiating.  Burial will follow the church service at the Russell City Cemetery.  Military rites will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, April 02, 2015, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening.  Memorials may be given to the First Congregational Church or the Hays Humane Society and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.