Rev. Ralph G. Landis Jr.

Rev. Ralph G. Landis, Jr., 94, Berlin, whose soul returned to the Lord on Oct. 5, 2017 at Meadow View Nursing Center. Born Oct. 7, 1922 in Brothersvalley Twp., son of Ralph Sr. and Anna Grace (Queer) Landis. Preceded in death by parents; brothers: Judd, Levi, Ray, Myron, Devon, Paul, and Robert; sisters: Jane Hosken and Phoebe Lutz-Hosselton, brother-in-law Charles Hosken, sisters-in-law: Ruby (Dively) Landis, Barbara Alice (Scurfield) Landis, Julia (Guise) Landis Read, Leota (Raupach) Landis, June (Coughenour) Landis, and Betty (Benning) Landis, nephews Jeffrey and Larry Landis, and Terrence Raupach, and nieces Belinda and Barbie Landis. Survived by sisters: Ruth Kammer, Florida, and Geraldine (Guy) Raupach, Glencoe; sister-in-law: Mary (McQuade) Landis; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was a 1941 graduate of Berlin Brothersvalley High School, a 1942 graduate of Thompson Business School, York, and a 1970 graduate of Lee’s Junior College, Jackson, KY. Ralph worked with Westinghouse Electric in general accounting, manufacturing and tax accounting from 1942 to 1963. From 1963 to 1965 he worked at Riverside Christian School, Lost Creek, KY, as a farm manager, superintendent of building and grounds, work supervisor, and assistant business manager. From 1965 to 1971 he established Gospel Light Mission in Watts, KY and served as the pastor, youth leader and Sunday school teacher. He also looked after the physical needs of people by taking ones to the doctor, hospitals, and grocery stores. During his time at Gospel Light Mission he began his ministry studies under the United Methodist Church, and in 1969 was ordained as a Deacon. In 1971 Ralph traveled to Hazard, KY as a community developer under the Board of Missions of New York and Kentucky. This involved work with senior citizens, state park services, handicapped, day care, a TV program, and a youth leader in two churches. He pastored churches in Bedford County from 1973 to 1977. In 1973 he was sent for 3 weeks to visit mission stations in Liberia, Zaire, Zambia, and Kenya, Africa. Missionary in Zambia from 1977 to 1979 and Sierra Leone, West Africa from 1980 to 1982. Pastor of Guam United Methodist Church from 1984 to 1986. Member of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church. Ralph returned to Berlin in 1986 and served as Chaplain and Director of Clergy Services at Maple Mountain Manor Nursing Home until 1991. In 1989 he published his autobiography entitled “Go Ye Therefore”. From 1991 to 1994 he served with the Salvation Army in Somerset. Pastor Ralph served at 25 churches in Somerset and Bedford Counties from 1986 to 1998 for pastors absent on Sunday or on vacation. Ralph preached regularly at Roxbury United Church of Christ and Rayman Church of the Brethren. He was a volunteer with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program since 1986, accumulating over 17,000 hours as follows: Chaplain at Meadow View Nursing Home, Salvation Army, Special Olympics in bowling and winter sports, visited hospitals in Meyersdale, Somerset, Bedford, Johnstown, and Cumberland, Berlin Food Pantry, and visited nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living homes, and many family homes on a regular basis. He received recognition for volunteering from PA State Senate and President of the United States Award for over 4,000 hours of volunteer services. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Deaner Funeral Home, Berlin. Viewing 10 a.m. until service at 11 a.m. Monday at Berlin Brethren Church. Rev. Tom Sprowls and Rev. Donald Cook Officiating. Interment Berlin I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Contributions may be given to Berlin Food Pantry, P.O. Box 86, Berlin, PA 15530. DeanerFuneralsAndCremations.com

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