Ralph Canning's story began in a hospital in Chillicothe, MO.  He was the second of four brothers that grew up on a farm in Wheeling, MO.  One summer, he met Carol Warren, who was visiting her grandmother in Wheeling.  A courtship began, and they married in 1967.  They both attended Central Missouri State University and later moved to Kansas City and eventually Prairie Village, KS.  A few years after college, they welcomed their sons, Jeff and Mike, into their family.

Family, neighbors, and friends were very important to Ralph.  Whether seeing family at the holidays, helping a neighbor, or having a good conversation with family or friends, he loved it all.

Ralph enjoyed being active in the community.  He was a member of Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, KS, and ushered for the church for many years.  He enjoyed his service to the church, seeing familiar faces, and meeting new people.

Ralph enjoyed sharing a good story or interesting fact with people.  He would strike up a conversation with almost anyone.  Whether it was sharing something about a documentary he saw on the History Channel, an article he read in Reader's Digest, or a bit of an embellished story, he was happy to share what he knew and learned with whomever was willing to listen.

Ralph shared his passion for sports with his sons.  He loved watching sports with his friends and family and was an avid fan of many area sports teams (University of Missouri Tigers, University of Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs).  When one of his sons was involved in playing a sport, he was there to motivate, teach, or shout from the sidelines.

When his sons were involved in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts, he helped where he could -- visiting them at camp outs, going on float trips down the Niangua River, or helping construct the best pinewood derby cars ever.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, he struggled to keep his life the same as usual.  When his body began betraying him more and more, he learned of stretch and yoga classes being offered to patients with debilitating diseases at Turning Point in Leawood, KS.  He quickly became a fan of the yoga classes, showing up as early as possible to get his place in the front row of class.  He made many friends with the staff, teachers, and classmates at Turning Point.

After moving to Sun City West, AZ, in 2014, Ralph enjoyed the warmer weather.  He made new friends through a support group for patients with Parkinson's disease, and by visiting with his new neighbors.

During the weekend that he passed away, his son Mike and family were visiting him in Sun City West.  He had some quality time with his grandchildren and even learned that his daughter-in-law Cheresa was expecting a third grandchild.  While we are all sad at his passing, we know that he died happy sharing a last visit with his family.