Ralph Chambers

Ralph Joseph Chambers, 77, of Mountain Home, formerly of Howell, Michigan passed into glory, March 6, 2009 at the Hospice of the Ozarks Hospice House following a courageous 20 year battle with lung cancer and respiratory complications. Mr. Chambers was a Christian. Born Christmas Day, 1931 in Wentzville, Missouri, he was the youngest son of the late Caroline (Hempker) and Floyd Chambers. Following their demise, he was raised at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Chambers and brother John Chambers, both of Michigan. Mr. Chambers moved to Mountain Home with his wife, Barbara Wolff Chambers in 1994 from their Splitrail Farm in Howell Michigan. He was a devoted and faithful husband of 44 years, loving father and grandfather and dearly loved his wife, Barbara, who cared for him during his lengthy illness. Mr. Chambers was a graduate of Michigan State University with a BA Degree in Purchasing Administration. He retired from SPS Technologies after 32 years of service as an Account Executive. The highlight of his career was a promotion to General Manager of Unbrako Pty, Ltd., division of SPS Technologies in Nunawading, Victoria, Australia. He was a Lifetime member of the Humane Society of North Central Arkansas serving as Volunteer Maintenance Director prior to his illness. He was a former member of the following clubs and societies: Michigan State Alumni Association, Livingston Radio Control Club, Twin Lakes Computer Users Club, Twin Lakes Power Squadron and the Elks Lodge #1714. He was an active member in the Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program in Michigan and participated yearly in the "Baxter Christmas Wish" with his wife, gladly sharing with others less fortunate. Mr. Chambers was an advocate against the health hazards of smoking, lecturing for the American Cancer Society in Michigan. Along with his wife Barbara, they began the first "in home" cancer support group for Livingston County, Michigan under the guidance of the American Cancer Society, counseling and supporting individuals afflicted with cancer. He was an avid reader, computer buff and built Radio Control Flyer model planes. Both he and his wife were racecar enthusiasts and both held National Driver's Licenses driving a factory built Triumph Spitfire. They raised sheep and goats on their Splitrail Farm in Michigan and he loved his German Shepherds, "Wolf, "Wolfson", "Mima H" and Labrador "Blizzard" who preceded him in death but who will take their place by his side in heaven. Local survivors include his wife, Barbara, Cousin Bettejean Mahoney (Jay) Turner, one son Mark (Karen) Chambers of Florida, dear daughter, Lois Christine (Peter) Crossman of Brighton, Michigan and daughter-in-law Judy Chambers Bishop of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, his devoted grandchildren, Michelle (Yann) Bruneau, Michael Chambers, Melanie and Emily Crossman of Michigan. He dearly loved his family and looked forward to their visits to Mountain Home when he could no longer travel. Mr. Chambers wished to recognize oncologist Dr. Julie Kish of Florida and the Late Dr. Zwi Steiger, Surgeon who gave him 20 years of extended life. He referred to them as "Angels" sent from above. He was especially grateful to his friend and aide of 10 years, Christina "Tina" Weber (who was like a daughter to him) and to friend Ruth Larsen who had been most supportive. Hospice of the Ozarks, Dr. Hagaman, staff, nurses and aides were truly a blessing to him in his final months. They were compassionate, caring and treated him with respect allowing him to retain his dignity. Thank you also to Physicians Medical Center's, doctors and staff. A Memorial Service will be at 1:30P.M. Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at the Kirby and Family Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Crane officiating. Burial will be private. Memorials: In Lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to Hospice House of the Ozarks or the Humane Society of North Central Arkansas 2656 Hwy 201 N. Mountain Home, Arkansas, 72653.