Delmar Ralph Masten

(Delmar) Ralph Masten, 88. Born in N. Ravenswood, WV, passed peacefully January 18, 2023 at home with his sweetheart of 47 years and his beloved dog, Shadow, laying next to him. Brendia, you are the twinkle in Dad’s heart. Thank you for the joy and love you shared in your lives together!

Dad’s progressive lung illness gave his children the awareness of our mortality and value of time. We made more time for lunches together, and day trips to visit old family “haunting grounds”. For the past month or more, we’d visit everyday to tell him how much we loved him and how proud we are to be his children…reminding him of all the things we learned from him.

Dad’s legacy can be viewed in three (3) chapters. He grew up with a sister, Marion, and four (4) brothers, John, Bob, Donald and Raymond. At 16, due to tragedy, the family scattered and Dad began his journey traveling to California with his cousin Bus (and Elaine) where he farmed and ultimately joined the United States Air Force. He served proudly for 8 years. Taking his mechanical knowledge back home to be near family, he met our mother Mary Patterson and began his next chapter.

Married for almost 20 years Dad and Mom had us, Elaine (Jim Shafley) and Ralph (Linda). Dad worked until retirement as a mechanic for General Tire and only left when the company sold and he felt forced into “selling services customers didn’t need.” He raised us kids with the same honest grit. He gave us decades of wonderful childhood memories living next door to Uncle Bob and Aunt Joann; visiting weekends with Aunt Linda and Uncle Darrell; and playing cards with Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Ray. These were the times when families grew up together and cousins were your best friends! He started the foundation to begin our own independent lives; expanding his legacy to 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren!

Dad didn’t stop there! His chapter with Brendia continued with his enduring way to teach children the value of family, honesty and hard work…how to bait a hook and whistle with a blade of grass! His legacy with Brendia embraced her 2 daughters Michelle and Angela, a son, James Lee; 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

In his final days, Dad was eager to join Jesus. He’d tell God “it’s time for me to come home”. He held on to his last breath until he could say goodbye to those who needed his last reassuring hug. A celebration of life is being planned for this spring “when the fish start biting”. Until then, you may feel free to share your condolences and memories by clicking the Share A Memory below. Thank you for allowing us to share the essence of our good man! Ralph’s generational legacy:

Elaine (and Jim): Tyler, Justin, Cole, Morgan, Skylar, Tiffany; Logan, Makenna, Emery, Oliver, Tyler Marie, Mia, Henry, Tessa and Andrew.

Ralph (and Linda): Jennifer and Chris; and with Linda: Tammy, LaDawn, Wayne; Marley and Jack

Brendia: Michelle, Angela, James Lee; Devon, DeVonna, Dallace, Dajane, Daniel, Barbara, Blayr, Brendin, Paul, Brian, Elijah; and Sophia.