Obituary of Ralph Eugene Craig

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph E. Craig of Washougal Washington, at 9:11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, just months before his 86th birthday. Ralph passed peacefully in his sleep after a long and painful battle with cancer, heart and lung disease. Ralph was a loving and committed husband, father, brother, friend, and fellow Christian. Ralph was a family centered and Christ fearing man who made friends easily and influenced many lives. He will be missed by so many people whose life he touched.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Rae A. Craig. He is survived by his daughters: Lynette M. Fisher and Charlene R. Hale, as well as his son Ronald J. Craig. Grandchildren include Ryan Fisher, Michelle Magana, Carissa Miller, Jacob Craig, and Katie Grover. He was preceded in death by his daughter Suzanne Grover, his sisters Karen Place and Jeneanne Martell, and his brothers Clyde Craig and Larry Craig.

Born July 11, 1938 to HR and Laverne Craig of Camas,Wa., Ralph was the third of five children. He grew up outside of the town of Camas, and graduated from Camas High School in 1956, where he was active in track and field. In 1958, he married his wife, Rae A. Craig (Bedell), and together they had three daughters and a son. In high school and beyond, he joined the Army National Guard, where he served from 1955 to 1963. In 1971, the family moved to the Bedell family farm on Mount Norway, where Ralph and Rae raised their children and farmed; raising Limousin cattle, chestnuts, and a huge organic garden. Ralph encouraged his kids to participate in 4H, attended their sports activities, and attended Bethel Church.

Ralph was an employee of Crown Zellerbach/James RIver paper mill and worked there until he retired in the early 1990s. He was employed in the bag factory, and eventually was hired on to be a roll grinder machinist, where he eventually retired.

Upon retirement, Ralph became passionate about woodworking and lathework and mastered the art. He was a part of a wood turner group and devoted much time to making beautiful projects out of rare wood that he loved to give away to friends and family. He was an active member of Bethel Church where he was a deacon and trustee. He later attended Gateway Community Church and volunteered in the community. Ralph loved nature, fishing, hunting, hiking and could spot a deer before anyone else could. Ralph had an impressive organic garden that he took pride in. He took long walks, enjoyed his time with nature, and enjoyed meeting people on his trails.

Ralph was a devout Christian man who dedicated his life to God, held strong convictions, and infused his faith into every aspect of his life. We are comforted by the fact that he peacefully passed from this world to be with God and his loved ones.

Funeral Services will take place at Gateway Church in Washougal on April 22, 2024 at 1:00 pm.