Ralph Gage

Leo Ralph Gage, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, at the age of 90. His life was a testament to hard work, ingenuity, love of family, and an unshakable spirit of independence.

Born on July 7, 1934 to the late Aubrey and Willie Plunk Gage, Ralph lived a full and remarkable life defined by curiosity, craftsmanship, and quiet strength.

On January 8, 1956, he married Marjorie Kay Henson, beginning a 69-year journey of love and partnership that served as the cornerstone of their life. Together, they built a family grounded in love, resilience, and tradition.

Ralph was the proud father of four children: the late Denise Yancey, Mary Freeman (Terry), Jeff Gage (Kathy), and Andrea Schmedes. He was a cherished grandfather to Shaun Mullins (Amy), Amanda Gage, Carson Schmedes, and McKenna Schmedes, and a joyful great-grandfather to Tyler, Ethan, Gage, and Keagan. His legacy lives on in each of them—in their laughter, strength, and kindness.

He spent his career at Ford Motor Company and retired as the General Supervisor of the body shop at the Lorain, Ohio plant. Never one to sit idle, Ralph continued working as a consultant for Ford, traveling to many cities across the U.S., where he and Kay made friends and explored all the areas had to offer. A true jack of all trades, Ralph could fix just about anything—whether it had wheels, wings, or wires.

His passions were as wide-ranging as his skills. He built hot rods with the same care he brought to tending his garden. He flew planes with the same calm precision he used to repair engines. His hands were always busy, his mind always working—yet he never failed to make time for family, friends, and quiet moments of joy. When he was no longer able to work on mechanical things, he took up winemaking. He loved to share the fruits of his labors with others, giving to friends, family, his doctors, and later the assisted living staff.

Ralph's presence was a grounding force for those who knew and loved him. His wisdom was shared not with fanfare, but with humility. His love was shown not just in words, but in action—in things built, problems solved, gardens grown, and time spent together.

In addition to his parents and daughter, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra Kiestler; a brother, Jerry Gage.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St Jude Place Memphis TN 38105 or online at stjude.org/memorial