Ralph L. Labus

Ralph Lawrence Labus, 76, of New Philadelphia, died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 20, 2019.

Ralph was born December 1, 1942 at Dover, Ohio to Katherine (Mutersbaugh) Athey and the late Ralph E. Labus.

Ralph attended Midvale High School before graduating from New Philadelphia High School in 1962. Then on March 29, 1965, he married the love of his life, the former Jackie “Tootsie” Krocker, and the couple raised three children, David, Tim and Denise.

He was employed by Reeves Steel at Dover for 33 years retiring in 1999. Ralph was also an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia and volunteered for many events over the years.

Following his retirement, Ralph found his true passion in gardening. He spent more time caring for the gardens and flowers of others than he did his own and he graciously cared for the rose bushes at Sacred Heart Church for many years. Ralph was also an avid Ohio sports fan.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jackie Labus; his children, David (Carl Fankhauser) Labus of West Chester, Ohio, Tim (Louise Daw) Labus of Columbus, Ohio and Denise Labus of New York, New York; two grandchildren, Lillian and Amelia; and a brother, Fred (Marcia) Labus of New Philadelphia.

He was preceded in death by his father and step-father, Jack Athey.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia with a Christian Wake Service being held at 7 p.m. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 25, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. A luncheon will then follow the committal service in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia.

Contributions may be made in Ralph’s memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.