Ralph Centers

Ralph Centers of Blue Ash, Ohio passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on June 20, 2023. He was 92.

Ralph grew up in Somerset, Kentucky, in a large loving family and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. His three brothers were also veterans of the Navy. He attended Campbellsville Junior College and The University of Kentucky. Ralph lived in Cincinnati for seventy years, retiring in 1993 as a locomotive engineer after forty years with the B&O Railroad.

Ralph was a devout Christian all of his adult life and was also an incredibly generous and caring man. He was able to repair and maintain his own automobiles, and enjoyed working in his yard, doing home improvement projects with the help of his children, and solving daily crossword and sudoku puzzles. He was an avid bridge player and a passionate University of Kentucky basketball fan. Ralph loved to travel—having visited all 50 states and several countries. His favorite thing in life was to spend time with and be surrounded by his large family having wonderful get-togethers and celebrations. We will all miss him deeply.

Ralph was preceded in death by the love of his life, Amanda Centers, with whom he was married for 65 years. Ralph is survived by his six children, fifteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.

The following was submitted to the State of Kentucky in nominating Ralph Centers to become a Kentucky Colonel.