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BORN

1934

DIED

2022

Ralph Merriam Obituary

Merriam, Ralph

Ralph Richard Merriam, 87, of Evanston, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 12th surrounded by his daughter, his daughter-in-law and his beloved wife of 35 years.

Ralph was born on October 22, 1934 to Calvin and Alicia Merriam in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. He graduated from Rice University in 1954 with a degree in Architecture. He went on to enjoy a distinguished career as a developer, running his construction firm, Merriam & Merriam, with his brother, Henry (Ana Rosa) Merriam.

Ralph was a lover of the arts and a lifelong tennis player. He was happiest when he was with his beloved wife and best friend, Maria Eugenia (Gomez Marquez) Merriam, surrounded by their children and grandchildren. He was a devout follower of Jesus Christ.

In addition to his wife, Ralph is survived by his children Ralph (Karla) Merriam Jr., Katherine (Carlos) Bobadilla, Karen (Doug) Wiemer, Patrick (Blanca) Merriam, Jose (Ana) Gomez-Marquez, Maria E. (Rhiannon) Reaves. He was a cherished grandfather to Richard, Elizabeth, Carlos Andrés, Michelle, Daniel, Alicia, Cate, Sofia, Adriana, Alexandra, Nicolas, Luca, Marta, and Sebastian. He was good friend to many and will be deeply missed by William and Brenda Parrish of Atlanta, Georgia and many others.

Ralph will always be remembered for his kindness, his steady hand, and his unbounded devotion to his family and friends. Ralph was and will be remembered as man of love.

Memorial contributions can made to the Northshore Senior Center at 161 Northfield Road, Northfield, Illinois 60093

847.784.6000.



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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. 19, 2022.

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6 Entries

MJ Andonie

May 12, 2022

Ralph will always live in our hearts and memories. A true gentleman to everyone, especially to his faithful wife who took care of him with so much love till the very end. His wisdom surpassed anybody else's. Sense of humor like no other's. My sincere condolences to the families Merriam Gomez Marquez, Merriam Rubiano and Merriam Mendoza. Rest in peace Ralph.

Elizabeth Bobadilla

April 20, 2022

Mi más sentido pésame a toda su familia en especial a Carlos y Katherine Bobadilla! Descanse en paz!! Un fuerte abrazo!

Pilar Jacqueline Casanova

April 20, 2022

Remembering Mr. Ralph with lots of love and fond memories. Mr. Merrian was a dear friend to my parents, Michel and Pilar Casanova. May he rest in peace.

Jose y Patricia Castillo Casanova

April 20, 2022

May you rest in peace Don Ralph, a good friend of my father in past years!

BlancaSee

April 20, 2022

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY, RALPH, KATHERINE, KAREN & PATRICK. HENRY & ANA ROSA MERRIAM. SENDING HEALING PRAYERS & COMFORTING HUGS.

José Rubén y Ana Patricia Mendoza

April 19, 2022

Our love and Sympathy to his sons and Daughters Ralph Richard y Karla and family Carlos y Katherine and Family Doug y Karen and Family and Patrick y Blanca and Family his brother Henry y Ana Rosa Merriam and Family

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