FUNERAL HOME

Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation

325 NE 3rd Ave.

Camas, Washington

Ralph Dreher Obituary


RALPH GEORGE DREHER
January 9, 1918 ~ April 28, 2014

Ralph George Dreher was born Jan. 9, 1918 in Vancouver, WA where he spent most of his life. He died April 28, 2014 at his home in Washougal, WA. Ralph graduated from high school, and then joined the army, serving his first enlistment at Ft. Vancouver. He reenlisted in 1940 as the war in Europe escalated, and served with the 168th Infantry Regiment in Northern Africa and Italy.
During the war, Ralph corresponded with the sister of an army buddy. Her name was Harriet, and she was living in San Francisco, while serving in the Coast Guard. After both were discharged, the two met in Vancouver in August, and married on Sept. 2, 1945. Harriet was the love of Ralph's life.
They enjoyed camping with their two sons, traveling, and spending time with their many friends and extended family. He loved fishing and gardening.
Ralph and Harriet were both VFW Lifelong Members.
Ralph worked for various construction companies and for the City of Vancouver after the war. He retired from Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill in Camas, WA in 1975.
Ralph is survived by son, Philip (Donna) of Camas; grandson, Brent (Missy) of Beaverton, OR; granddaughter, Taryn of Aloha OR; nephew, Richard Kendall (Holly) of Vancouver; and by Tom Durgan of Vancouver, who Ralph and Harriet considered "family by choice" for many years.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Harriet in 2009; and his son, Michael in 2007.
A Celebration of Ralph's Life will be held on Thurs., May 8, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Columbia Ridge Senior Living Facility, 2300 W. 9th St., Washougal, WA.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on May 4, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Dreher

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

I loved Ralph and Harriet! They were like grandparents to my children. They were my partners and mentors during the camp Bonneville brac and taking care of the dreher cemetery. I find comfort that Ralph is finally with Harriet ... who i believed he loved more than life. I will always be so grateful... honored. .. loved. .to have known both of them.
Stella Bourassa

May 18, 2014

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Ralph Dreher's name

Memorial Events
for Ralph Dreher

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation

325 NE 3rd Ave., Camas, WA 98607

How to support Ralph's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ralph Dreher's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more