Robert Ray Ralston

Robert “Bob” Ray Ralston, age 77 of Marshalltown, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Bob was born in Grundy Center on December 7, 1946, the youngest child of Donald R. and Lucille Ralston. He graduated from Beaman Conrad High School and attended the University of Northern Iowa before graduating from William Penn University with a Finance and Business Administration degree. Bob worked at Fisher Controls for 42 years. Bob proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. During his time in the service, he started writing a lovely young lady named Olga Lucia Ramirez from Cali, Colombia. After 6 months of correspondence by letter, Bob went to meet Olga face to face and on April 25, 1970, they were united in marriage after just 9 days of knowing each other in person. Bob had a passion for fitness and health. He ran a 20K in his younger years and he still rode an exercise bike daily. He enjoyed watching tv, especially college sports and NCIS, and playing cards and poker with his friends.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Lucille, and his siblings, Jack, Betty and Phyllis.

He is survived by his wife Olga of 54 ½ years, his children, Dianna Ralston, Hunter Ralston, and Cassandra Ralston. He is also survived by his brothers, Gerald (Toby) Ralston and Don Ralston Jr.

A visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home of Marshalltown. A graveside service will also take place on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Bob and his family. For more information and to leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.