Obituary of Ralph W. Rhynders

Ralph W. Rhynders, 87, of Grahamsville, NY and Poughkeepsie, NY, broke the chains of Alzheimers Disease on March 11, 2017 after a short illness. He was born in Rhinecliff, NY on April 5, 1929. Son of Harry and Florence (Pells) Rhynders, Ralph was the youngest of six children, Eva, Nina, Elsie, Alice, and Lewis, all of whom pre-deceased him. He graduated from Rhinebeck High School in New York and proudly served in the US Navy during the Korean conflict. In 1960 he married the former Virginia DuBois at the Grahamsville Methodist Church in Grahamsville, New York. Ralph and Virginia lived and raised their family of three children in the Town of Poughkeepsie. He retired from Central Hudson in 1989 after 36 years of service. Upon retirement they moved to Grahamsville, NY where they spent many relaxing summers in the mountains and winters in Florida. Over the past few years, they made a return to Poughkeepsie to be closer to the support of family. During their 56 years of marriage, Ralph and Ginnie frequently spent days traveling the US. Whether it be by RV, train, or their beloved Delta Queen Steamboat, they made lasting memories, and many friends along the way. Ralph had many passions. Having played on Central Hudson's baseball and bowling teams, he also enjoyed family camping, western square dancing, and was a past member of the Tri-Valley Lions Club. A jigsaw puzzle master, sudoku solver, a music lover, and long-time fan of the New York Mets, Ralph had many interests that brought him endless joy and amusement. Fondly referred to as "Grandpa Goofy" by his then young granddaughter, Ralph would frequently act silly just to make one smile. To his grandsons, he imparted his love of baseball as well as his love of music. He undoubtedly has already joined in a chorus of heavenly sing-a-longs. Although the years robbed Ralph of his memory, he always remained a gentleman with a ready smile, and an offer to give up his seat for anyone that walked in. He will be lovingly remembered by his surviving wife, Ginnie, daughter Tracy and husband Robert Hillman of Mt. Prospect, Illinois, daughter Terri and husband Robert Rzodkiewicz of Poughkeepsie, NY, son David and companion Sheri Daniels of Poughkeepsie, NY, grandaughter Alyssa Hillman of Palatine, Illinois, grandsons Evan and Matthew Rzodkiewicz of Poughkeepsie, NY, sister-in-law Irma Mentnech of Woodbourne, NY, brother-in-law Fernald F. DuBois, Jr. of Akron, NY and several nieces and nephews. Following Ralph's wishes, cremation was immediate. Friends are invited to join the family on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home on Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY between the hours of 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Following calling hours there will be a short military ceremony at the funeral home. Burial of ashes will be private at a later date. The family would like to thank Gardenside Memory Care Lodge at Geer Village in Canaan, CT for the care provided to Ralph over the past months. Their warmth and comfort helped to bring him happiness and contentment when it was needed the most. Gratitude is also extended to Sharon Health Care Center for their kindness and compassion shown to Ralph and the family during his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ralph to the Alzheimers Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10001, or the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY, 10017.