Ralph James Ledford

RALPH JAMES LEDFORD, also known as Skinny, was 89 when he passed peacefully at his home in Toledo on August 5, 2026. His wife of 30 years, Margaret (Jackson) Ledford, was at his side and took great care of him. Born on August 13, 1936, Ralph grew up in Rossford, the only child of Rose (Mary) Ledford.

How do you put into words the adventures and highlights of a life well lived? Ralph worked at LOF most of his adult life, even crafting the windshield for his 1954 Olds. Well after retirement, he had a strong work ethic and dedication to whichever job he had in front of him that day, whether prepping cars or mowing lawns well into that 89th year. He never could sit still.

Yet that was only part of who he will always be in our hearts. He was a bowler from his days as a Bulldog, enjoying leagues and tournaments and teaching us how to throw straight - thumb-to-nose. When he could no longer bowl, his full attention turned to Euchre. Ask anyone who played the game with him, and they’ll tell you about a coaching moment or that “Ralph” look. We never knew whether it was more difficult to play against him or as his partner. We all know that there’s one philosophy we carry - Always Count on Your Partner for One.

He had enough love for all the world that he helped raise three sets of children. All of us were fortunate to travel and camp with him at different times - sometimes even getting lost on purpose. He made sure we saw the world and the beauty within. He also instilled a voracious love of reading for any child in his reach. To read something every day, to stretch the imagination, to grasp vocabulary, and practice critical thinking.

Along with the originals: Linda Ledford, James (Tamela) Ledford, Jennifer (Daniel Hubbs) Wagner, David (Kathy) Ledford, and Scott (Tammy) Ledford. And Stepchildren, Carmen Jones, Dayle (Christine) Gatter, and Charles Gatter. Ralph had 25 grandchildren and 36 greats!

He was preceded on the Journey by his mother; son, James; granddaughter, Rose; stepdaughter, Carmen; and step-great-grandson, Jurell Jr.

Please join us at a Celebration of Life with a dinner buffet on August 22, 2026, from 5p-11p at the Rossford American Legion, 145 Bergin St., Rossford. Bring your stories, your memories and maybe even a deck or two of cards. In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family.