Ralph Sleight

Traverse City - Ralph Sleight, 90, of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2014 at Bortz Health Care in Traverse City.

Ralph was born on Monday, September 10, 1923 to the late Harvey and Ralphina (Reay) Sleight in Griggsville, Illinois. He attended Griggsville schools and then McKendree College in Lebanon, IL, Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL and then served three years in the Marine Corps in the United States, Guam and China during WW II and was discharged at the rank of Second Lieutenant.

After graduation from Western Michigan College in Kalamazoo, he then moved to Redding, CA where he taught for one year and then attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, attaining his MS degree. He began teaching then in San Jose, CA and in his second year of teaching, was called back to the Marine Corps for service in the Korean War, having been a First Lieutenant at that time.

Back in San Jose, he was the Principal of Peter Burnett Junior High School, Pioneer Senior High, and founding principal of Gunderson High School in the San Jose Unified School District. During this time he continued his Doctoral work at Stanford University. Overall, he taught in San Jose from 1949 until his retirement from there in 1982. Following his retirement, Ralph became the Associate Executive Director of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. After moving to this area, Ralph served at the interim Superintendent and Principal for Grand Traverse Catholic School in 1988 and 1989.

Ralph was married to Ruth Metz of Chambersburg, IL in December of 1941. She passed away in September of 1986. In January 16, 1988, Ralph married Marcella "Marcy" (Whiteford) Reay Sleight of Traverse City at St. Francis Catholic Church.

Ralph enjoyed a number of hobbies, including motorcycling, fishing and fly fishing, golf, playing euchre, traveling the U. S. by motor home and skiing. He loved living on Grand Traverse Bay, and especially loved his family and friends and entertaining. Ralph was an active member of St. Francis Catholic Parish in Traverse City where he participated as a greeter and as a lector.

Ralph is survived by his wife Marcy; his son Roger (Jamie) Sleight of Hat Creek, CA, daughter Robin (Bruce) Reynolds of Redding, CA; his stepchildren, Patrick (Terry) Reay of Suttons Bay, Tami (John) Vincent of East Jordan, Linda (Greg) Schaub of Traverse City; grandchildren, Aaron (Elizabeth) Reynolds of Redding, CA, Michael Reay of Grand Rapids, Scott Reay of Denver CO., Christine and Lissa Vincent of East Jordan, Amber Schmit of Antelope, CA and his great grandchildren, Kaleb Reynolds of Redding, CA and Dean Schmit of Antelope, CA. In addition to his first wife, Ruth, Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and sister Marcel Henson.

Visitation for Ralph will take place from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Tuesday, June 10 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with the Rosary being prayed at 7 P.M.

The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 AM Wednesday, June 11 at St. Francis Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Ken Stachnick presiding. Military rites will be offered by the Military Honor Guard of VFW Post 2780 and American Legion Post 35.

The family has asked that Ralph be remembered through memorial contributions to the Father Fred Foundation. The family would also like to thank Hospice of Michigan and the nursing staff at Bortz Health Care for the special care and attention they provided for Ralph.

Please share memories and thoughts with Ralph's family by way of his online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.