Obituary for Ralph Edward Tinkham
Ralph Edward Tinkham was born at home on May 24, 1932 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to the late Harry V. and Rachel E Tinkham. Ralph left this earth on May 21, 2020 just shy of his 88th birthday.
Ralph grew up in Oklahoma City and spent time with his 4 siblings and often “running away from home” to go spend time with his grandparents.
He later joined the Army and served in Korea and as a civilian in Vietnam. Ralph went on to meet the love of his life, the late Bonnie Coshow, who he would go on to marry on December 14, 1957, only one month after they had met.
Ralph and Bonnie settled down in Oklahoma City and started a family, a son, Eddie, and two daughters Kelly and Lisa. Ralph worked hard to provide a lovely life for his family. He and Bonnie enjoyed crafting, with Ralph building the pieces and Bonnie painting the pieces and selling them at craft shows all over the state of Oklahoma.
Soon came grandchildren and it seemed like that was what Ralph was destined to be his entire life- Papa. He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren, watching them play softball or baseball and always had a tall tale to tell which would finish in his classic catch phrase- “Would I lie?” the answer is yes. Those grandchildren had children and with that Ralph’s love only multiplied.
Ralph spent much of his time later in life caring for those he loved. He was a natural caretaker and did so with smile on his face. After his wife’s passing Ralph moved closer to family in Choctaw, Oklahoma with his trusty companion, his dog Cowboy. Ralph and Cowboy took care of each other and also annoyed each other, truly a match made in heaven.
Ralph was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather. His memory will truly be cherished.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie Tinkham; Siblings Mary, Bill, Robertta, Jim and an infant; Ralph is survived by his three children, Eddie Tinkham, Kelly Tinkham and Lisa Limke; his daughter in law Bonnie Tinkham and son in law Todd Limke; his grandchildren; Amy Deaver, Erica Williams, Alison Limke and Heath Limke; his great-grandchildren Megan Sisson, Matthew Deaver, Michael Deaver, Kendra Williams, Olivia Bledsoe and Sophia Bledsoe; and great-great-grandchildren Abby, Chevy and Kya
Ralph grew up in Oklahoma City and spent time with his 4 siblings and often “running away from home” to go spend time with his grandparents.
He later joined the Army and served in Korea and as a civilian in Vietnam. Ralph went on to meet the love of his life, the late Bonnie Coshow, who he would go on to marry on December 14, 1957, only one month after they had met.
Ralph and Bonnie settled down in Oklahoma City and started a family, a son, Eddie, and two daughters Kelly and Lisa. Ralph worked hard to provide a lovely life for his family. He and Bonnie enjoyed crafting, with Ralph building the pieces and Bonnie painting the pieces and selling them at craft shows all over the state of Oklahoma.
Soon came grandchildren and it seemed like that was what Ralph was destined to be his entire life- Papa. He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren, watching them play softball or baseball and always had a tall tale to tell which would finish in his classic catch phrase- “Would I lie?” the answer is yes. Those grandchildren had children and with that Ralph’s love only multiplied.
Ralph spent much of his time later in life caring for those he loved. He was a natural caretaker and did so with smile on his face. After his wife’s passing Ralph moved closer to family in Choctaw, Oklahoma with his trusty companion, his dog Cowboy. Ralph and Cowboy took care of each other and also annoyed each other, truly a match made in heaven.
Ralph was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather. His memory will truly be cherished.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie Tinkham; Siblings Mary, Bill, Robertta, Jim and an infant; Ralph is survived by his three children, Eddie Tinkham, Kelly Tinkham and Lisa Limke; his daughter in law Bonnie Tinkham and son in law Todd Limke; his grandchildren; Amy Deaver, Erica Williams, Alison Limke and Heath Limke; his great-grandchildren Megan Sisson, Matthew Deaver, Michael Deaver, Kendra Williams, Olivia Bledsoe and Sophia Bledsoe; and great-great-grandchildren Abby, Chevy and Kya