Ralph Frank Maeder

Ralph Frank Maeder, 87, (a veteran of World War 2)passed into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 27, 2009. Mr. Maeder’s calm acceptance and preparation for his passing were clear evidence to all family members at his side that Jesus was in complete control. Mr. Maeder was preceded in death by his parents Hazel Patterson Maeder and Frank R. Maeder, aunt Viola Maeder and wife Faye Brown Maeder. Ralph and Faye Maeder were married for over 60 years until her death in 2003. Ralph retired from Wagoner Construction Company of Salisbury, NC where he was a superintendent and a project manager. He was a member of Green Street Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, NC. He is survived by his daughter Sandra Maeder Gates, son-in-law Marshall Steven Gates; grandson Brian Andrew Gates and wife Wendy Luzier Gates, and great-grandchild Evan Gates; granddaughter Jennifer Anne Griffin, husband Mike Griffin and great-grandchildren Olivia and Meredith Griffin (all of Botetourt County Virginia); grandson Michael Gates and wife Erin Crizer Gates; sister Valerie Maeder Chandler and brother in law Robert L. Chandler Jr. of Lake Norman, N.C., formerly of Salisbury; sisters-in-law Zelma Bowles and Sarah Shuping of Clemmons, N.C.; Becky Shuping Blankenship and brother-in-law, Alan Blankenship, of Beaufort and Raleigh. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at Summersett Funeral Home, 1315 West Innes Street in Salisbury. Prior to the memorial service, a family graveside service will be held at Rowan Memorial Park, Highway 601, and Salisbury. Pastor Ray Higgins, Jr. and Alan Blankenship will lead the memorial service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, in the name of Ralph Frank Maeder ( American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road Suite 106A, Roanoke, Va. 24018). Following the memorial service, family members will welcome an informal visitation at Summersett Funeral Home, Salisbury. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Maeder family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com