Ralph Joseph Bartos

In the early morning hours of August 18, 2018 Ralph J. Bartos took his first steps into Glory. Ralph was born July 2, 1940 to Josef and May Bartos in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Preceded in death by 2 sisters Alice and Dorothy. Ralph began working at 13 yrs old purchasing his first vehicle 1947 Plymouth (wish he had kept it). From High School Ralph attended University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming majoring in Accounting. After graduating College the Vietnam conflict was starting so Ralph enlisted in the US Army (he knew it was coming). Basic training was at Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri. Dad told us many times that "it was the hottest place on earth and the coldest place on earth sometimes in the same day!" His ultimate destination was MacDill Airforce Base in Tampa, Florida. Due to his good looks and his tall frame he made a great mannequin for the Army uniform and while working as a payroll clerk he was also responsible for many full dress ceremonies. On a visit home with one of his army buddies to Lakeland, Florida Ralph met Mary Bartos and love grew. Often times momma has told us that the first time they kissed she felt like she was floating on air. Ultimately, they were married at Griffin Baptist Church on May 19, 1967.

Then life began! They lived in a small house on the corner of Galloway and Sleepy Hill Road prior to moving into their lifetime house next door to Her mother and father on one side and soon after His mother on the other. In 1970 on May 20th they became parents for the first time when Rose Keller children's home called and said that they had their son ready to go! The entire process moved quickly because the ladies at the children's home explained that it was the first time that a man stopped to get an application to adopt instead of a couple. For 4 years they lived as a happy family of 3 with Michael and they were blessed with another baby boy David and their family was complete. Ralph was an amazing father caring for them all and taking his responsibility as a father very seriously. He would scrub his kids in the tub until exfoliation (minor skin abrasions) occurred and then used a gallon jug with the bottom cut out as a scoop to pour water over their head and rinse them. Many days of soccer practice (neither of us were any good) and far more days of music lessons ensued. Never a day passed nor an opportunity to be part of our lives that he did not take. The BEST band parents, the BEST chaperones, the BEST surrogate parents to many. Ralph was a devout Christian and lived what he preached setting an example daily to his children and grandchildren and all of those around him. He served as a deacon in his home church Griffin Baptist Church until his ultimate promotion. He is survived by his loving wife Mary and his sons Michael and David their wives Erin and Heather. 4 grandchildren David, Megan, Josh, and Alex and 2 step Grandchildren Holly and Grant Thornton. As we say "see you soon" to daddy and poppa we do it with full expectation that we will see him again and that will be his greatest legacy here on earth. Ralph J. Bartos a Godly man, a Godly husband, a Godly daddy, a man of consummate strength and ultimate compassion and kindness. Ralph J. Bartos (daddy) May we feel your presence, mirror your love, and make you proud until we see you again!

With ultimate love and respect!

Momma, Michael and Erin, David and Heather, David Jr., Josh, Alex, and Pumpkinseed (Megan)

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