Obituaries: Staley

Ralph StaleyRalph Staley

Ralph E. Staley, 61, of Bloomington, passed away at 8:10 p.m. on Feb. 24 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.

His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at Calvary United Methodist Church in Normal with Pastors Debbie and Randy Reese officiating. Visitation will be from 4-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Interment will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington. Memorials may be made to The S.O.A.R. Program c/o Bloomington Park’s and Recreation or Calvary United Methodist Church.

Ralph was born on Nov. 3, 1954 in Bloomington, a son to Bert F. And Della F. Talbot Staley.

Surviving is his mother, Della F. Staley and his sister, Alice I. Staley, both of Bloomington. He is also survived by a host of cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents; and his aunts and uncles.

Ralph worked at The Occupational Development Center in Bloomington for 31 years, until its closing. He participated in the S.O.A.R. Program since 1975. He loved bowling, cooking, crafts and dances.

He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Normal where he enjoyed serving as a greeter.

Anyone who came to know Ralph and his smile was touched by him. He was loved by all that knew him. His smile will continue to make all of us smile!

Online condolences and memories of Ralph may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…