Ralph
Theodore Souder, 44, of Wasilla, passed away suddenly Feb.
1, 2014, at home. A viewing for friends and family is from
noon to 2 p.m., Feb 10 and services begin at 2 p.m. at the
Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla.Ralph was born May 5, 1969, in San Diego, Calif., to Albert and Kathleen Souder. Ralph attended the “School of Hard Knocks” and in 1992 became a resident of Alaska, living in Kodiak and finally in Wasilla.
Ralph worked as timber faller/logger, an operator with Valley Block and Concrete and a worker on the North Slope. Ralph was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed camping, fishing, four-wheeling, snow-machining and hunting with friends and family.
His daughter Moriah Mead said, “My dad is the world’s greatest Papa. He enjoyed playing tricks on people and I will miss the 6 a.m. wake-up calls.”
His son Alfred Mead said, “You will always be in my heart, Dad. I will always cherish the moments we spent together. Until we meet again, rest in peace Papa Ralph.”
Shelly Mead said, “Ralph was my saving grace. When he left us he took my heart and most of my soul. He was full of life and loved his children and grandchildren.”
Survivors include girlfriend, Trenna Carney; father, Albert Souder of Redding, Calif.; sister, Shawn Marie Dixon of Oregon; brother, Matthew Souder of Redding, Calif.; grandmother, Elaine Fousha of Washington; sons, Malcom and Alfred Mead; daughter, Moriah Strong; six grandsons, Malcom Jr., Shane, Dylan, Darby, Alfred Jr. and Wiley: and two granddaughters, Eva and Taylor, all of Wasilla.
Ralph was preceded in death by his grandfather, Leroy Fousha; mother, Kathleen Souder; and uncle, Butch Fousha.
Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla Chapel cared for arrangements.
Source: Frontiersman, 9 February 2014
