RALPH EVERETT WOODHULL, JR
Ralph Everett Woodhull, Jr., 93, of Boerne, TX passed sitting next to his “Sweetie” Ruth, in the Chapel of the Menger Springs Cibolo House on Wednesday, August 31, 2022.
Ralph was born on December 8, 1928, in Newark, NJ. He was the oldest of four children born to Ralph Woodhull, Sr., and Emma Woodhull. Ralph enlisted in the Army at seventeen years and served his country in Germany. When he returned home, he earned a degree from Kansas State as a Milling Engineer. He married his wife, Ruth Marie Lees, on June 12, 1954. The precious couple recently celebrated 68 years of marriage. They were rarely separated and could always be found holding hands, so grateful for every day spent together. He was a wonderful husband and father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ralph lived a full and extraordinary life. He was a servant and leader in his church, a milling engineer, an extensive world traveler, a Boy Scout leader, an exercise enthusiast, and a routine and schedule follower. He wore many hats, but he was above all, a loving and involved family man. He never missed an opportunity to join his family on activities, adventures, and celebrations. His genuine interest in everyone, his friendly and kind nature made him liked by all those around him. He loved to be helpful and was always self-driven to achieve his goals.
Throughout his forty- year career with Quaker Oats he and his family lived in Ohio, Illinois, Colombia, Mexico City, and Missouri. He served a short stint with Fundación Chile as the milling expert for the country to improve their grain processing mills. He was known globally as the foremost expert in oat processing. His forte was assuring the highest yields and best quality. He was part of the design team that started an oat mill in Shanghai, China. In addition, the legacy that he left behind was heading up the team that invented instant oats. After retirement, they moved to Bandera, TX in 2000, where they lived most of the year and Woodland Park, CO where they spent summers to be closer to family.
He is survived by his wife Ruth; his sons Mark Woodhull (Marcela) and Barry Woodhull (Marjorie); his daughters Nancy Henderlong (Bruce), and Lisa Johnson (Kevin); his grandchildren from Mark: Anastasia, Keiska, Ian, Melody, Trevor, Brandy, Timothy, Joshua, and Camilo. From Barry: Emma and DeeAnna. From Nancy: Duane, Devin, Ryan and Adam. From Lisa: Monica, Jena, and Ashley. He is survived by 27 great-grandchildren. Ralph is also survived by his sister, Mary Ibarra (Ron), sisters-in-law Phyllis Woodhull, Marilyn Welch, Laurel Lees, and Karen Lees and brother-in-law Rich Goepfert, and many loving family and friends.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Ralph Woodhull, Sr. and Emma Woodhull; his sister Joanne Goepfert and brother Donald Woodhull, and brothers-in-law John Welch, Don Lees, Jr.,and Jerry Lees.
The family would like to express their gratitude towards the staff at Menger Springs Cibolo House, Alamo Hospice, and Pastor Duane Manning.
Services will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church located at 8589 State Highway 16 South, Pipe Creek, TX 78063.
In honor of Ralph, donations can be sent to Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 63377, Pipe Creek, TX 78063 or the Alzheimer’s Association (800) 272-3900 Website: alz.org/donate Arrangements are under the care of Holt & Holt Funeral Home of Boerne. To share words of comfort with the family, please visit www.holtfh.com.