Richard Relph

Richard D. Shorty Relph, 79, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at Iowa River Hospice House surrounded by his family.Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, with visitation prior to service beginning at 4:00 p.m. Internment will be at the Russell, Iowa cemetery on Friday, March 30th at 2:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family. For condolences or questions please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Richard and his family. Phone 641-844-1234.Richard Delain Relph was born in Russell, Iowa on November 17, 1932. He was the son of George W. and Emma R. (Hull) Relph. Richard attended school in the Russell School District, graduating with the class of 1951. On September 4, 1954, Richard was united in marriage to Lola Jessip in Russell, Iowa at the Baptist Church. They lived in Ottumwa, Iowa, before making their home in Marshalltown in 1968. Richard, known as Shorty, had been employed by The L. E. Myers Company for 40 years. He served as the District Manager for several years before retirement in 1995. Shorty always loved his work and the challenges it brought him. He was a member of the Lions Club, Elks Club and a member of the I.B.E.W. Richard enjoyed piloting his airplane, golfing, playing cards and working on cars, but most of all he enjoyed his family.Left to cherish Richards memory is his wife of 57 years; Lola, his children: Steven (Natalie) Relph of Camanche, Iowa, Lois (Victor) Jenness of Marshalltown and Rik (Amber) Relph of Garwin, Iowa; his grandchildren: Lana (fianc Chris Gulsvig) Jenness of Farmington, Minnesota, Creighton Jenness of Marshalltown, and Emily Relph of Des Moines, Iowa and his brother, Gail (Agnes) Relph of Valeria, Iowa.Richard was preceded in death by his parents George and Emma, his brothers: Keith, Bernard and Doyle in infancy.