Ralph Earles Obituary

Chelsea, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I will never forget his and your mother's kindness toward me. Several years ago, I flew up there with the Shephard's and we stayed a weekend with them while we attended the OU-KU game. The small town parade that your father took us to was the best, as was the personal tour of his nature sanctuary next door! Your parents hospitality was top notch! He was a special person, to which the world needs more of these days. My condolences to your sisters Erica and Jill as well

I am saddened by the death of my teacher and good friend Ralph. His obituary captures well his passion for justice, love of the land, and especially the open house he and Roma offered to so many friends.
As a young teacher at Hillsboro HS, he demonstrated his challenge for us to open our minds and hearts by attempting to produce "Inherit the Wind," a fictional depiction of the Scopes Monkey Trial on teaching evolution in 1925. When the administration thought it too controversial, Ralph instead found Arthur Miller's "All My Sons," sort of a morality play in which a profit-minded WWII arms manufacturer comes to term with the consquences of shipping defective parts that led to many planes crashing. The lead character commits suicide off-stage to end the play. A powerful drama that certainly wasn't reviewed by the Superintendent!
Over the years, I would stop in to see R & R on my trips to Kansas and more often than not there were other friends visiting already there. Hospitality was a gift they shared with great love and generosity. I will sorely miss their oasis of serenity and compassion.