Ralph H. Lortz

Ralph H. Lortz

Ralph H. Lortz, 82, of East Canton, died Feb. 27, 2010, in the Great Trail Care Center.

He was born July 11, 1927, in Wheeling, W.Va., to Fred and Louise (Hallett) Lortz. He retired from United Engineering after 28 years of service. He is a member of Wildwood Chapel and is a United States Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of the American Legion in Barnesville, the Elks in Barnesville, and was a volunteer fireman in Louisville for 12 years.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce (Higginbotham) Lortz, whom he married July 2, 1950; three daughters, Susan (Bruce) Smalley of Louisville, Lori (Duane) Zwick of Minerva, and Lisa (Rick) Lewis of Minerva; two sons, Steven (Cindy) Lortz of East Canton and Scott (Pati) Lortz of Louisville; his twin brother, Raymond Lortz of Martins Ferry; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank Lortz and Fred Lortz.

Following cremation, a memorial service, with full military honors, will be held this Friday, March 5, at 2 p.m., at Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home, with Pastor Timothy Prince officiating. Calling hours will be one hour prior to services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mercy Hospice of the American Cancer Society.