Service Time:  10:00 A.M.
Day and Date:  Monday, August 24, 2009
Vigil Service:  Sunday, August 23, 2009 at 7 P.M.
Location:  St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church - Russell
Guest Book Registration:  Noon to 5 P.M. on Sunday, August 23, 2009 at the mortuary.
Burial:  Russell City Cemetery
Memorial:  St. Mary's Queen of Angels Catholic Church or
Russell High School Athletic Department 

Ralph Leo Schulte, 86, passed away on August 20, 2009 at Hays Medical Center with his family by his side.  He was born January 28, 1923 in Walker, KS the 4^th child of Frank and Anna (Schippers) Schulte.  He married Helen Schmeidler on June 7, 1948 in Severin, Kansas. 

Ralph served in the Army in World War II rising to the rank of sergeant.  He served at the Pentagon doing information distribution in Washington, DC. After the war, Ralph returned to Russell and went to work for the Vincent Motor Company as an accountant.

He found his life long career and avocation in the oil field beginning work as an accountant for Haynes Oil Company in Russell. After several years he became co-owner with Reginald Bennett forming Bennett and Schulte Oil Company. He took sole ownership of the company in 2004 with his son Frank. He continued in that capacity until his death.

Ralph was a 4^th degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Russell and was very active in the parish life at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Anna Schulte and brothers Bill, Lewis, Otto, and Elmer. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen, a brother Raymond of Victoria and a sister Lucy Brull of Hays, Kansas. Ralph is also survived by their 3 children Karen Trible (Ronnie) of Russell, Leann Cless (Steve) of Wichita and Frank Schulte (Linda Sullentrop) of Russell. They are also survived by 10 grandchildren Sarah, Rachel and Benjamin Trible, Bryan, Nathan and Adam Cless; Janna, Jill, Jaclyn and Janae Schulte and have 1 deceased grandchild Rebecca Trible.