Ralph was born on October 25, 1931, the twelfth, of sixteen children, of John B. Goering and Jessie Schrag Goering, on a farm near Moundridge, Kansas. Ralph made the transition to his heavenly home on November 4, 1996.
At the age of four, Ralph and the family moved to Canton, where he spent his childhood years. He was active as a child, even did some trapping to earn some extra cash. Living on a dairy farm meant that he had his share of chores to do, which included helping with the milk deliveries into Canton.
Ralph attended elementary school in Canton. Tragedy struck in January, 1946, when Ralph, who was 14 years old, and brothers, James and Leonard, on their way to a Scout Meeting, were involved in a pick-up-truck-bicycle(s) accident, at which Ralph sustained injuries which plagued him for the rest of his life. He suffered skull trauma, had several operations, and was in a coma for about thirty-eight days, after which he received extensive rehabilitative therapy, primarily from his father. After the school term, his teacher, Nada Blair, by the goodness of her heart, tutored him in his studies.
In 1947, the family moved to a farm near Peabody, Kansas, so Ralph attended the Peabody schools. Due to his injuries from the accident, Ralph had some difficulties with his studies; however, he went through his Junior year in high school and participated in sports; namely: football.
While at Canton, Ralph made his decision for Christ. While at Eden, upon his confession of faith, Ralph was baptized by pastor Walter Gering. The commute to Eden to church seemed a burden, so the family attended and became members of the Zion Mennonite Church at Elbing, Kansas.
Ralph was institutionalized several times, although at other times he lived independently. For example, he lived independently and attended an automotive body shop program for some time in Kansas City. At one time, Brother Dan advocated for him regarding his rights to parking near his residence. Ralph stayed for some time at Meadowlark, working in a mattress factory in Newton, and later for Jim Rutchman, who was very understanding and long-suffering in providing him a job washing dishes at his restaurant. He also worked on the farm, which brother John was managing at the time.
While he was in Newton, Ralph attended the First Mennonite Church in Newton. Later, while he was at the Westview Nursing Home in Peabody, Ralph joined the First Baptist Church in Peabody where he was a member until his death.
Ralph’s sister assumed guardianship for Ralph in 1976 while he was at the Westview Nursing Home. Although Ralph had considerable problems personally, he demonstrated a friendly demeanor, probably to a fault in public place, and was interested in the welfare of family members. Because his care needs had increased, Ralph moved to Friendly Acres in 1993 where he received very good care from all his care-givers, in spite of what were, at times, difficult circumstances. Also at Friendly Acres, Ralph exhibited his good nature, like to sing, and often had big smiles. Found on his chest of drawers in his room at the time of his death was a note which read: “Ralph Goering is a sweet and funny man. He is kind and makes people laugh.”
In 1990, brother Herb, who had recently moved to Newton, volunteered to be his guardian. From that time, Herb and Art were Ralph’s co-guardians.
Until recently, he demonstrated interest and insights regarding political and religious matters. A favorite scripture reference was Romans 8:28…39: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…”
Preceeding Ralph in death were his parents, and among his siblings and their spouses were brothers-in-law: Dan J. Goering and Archer Sundgren; sisters-in-law: Della (Morris) Goering and Gene (Hagenson) Goering; and brothers: Alvin and Willard Goering. Surviving to celebrate his life and experiences among us are Elva Goering, Walter Goering, Frieda and Walter Regier, Alice (White) Goering, Daniel and Grace Goering, Herbert and Dorothea Goering, Martha Sundgren, Arthur and Roselia Goering, John and Orletta Goering, Leonard and Delores Goering, James and Ida Goering, Joan and Anton Epp, Harry and Roselia Goering, and Larry and Hildred Goering. Ralph also leaves a host of nieces and nephews.