Ralph Crosswhite

Biography

Ralph Crosswhite passed away on May 9th, 2014, at age 97. He was the third child of seven, born to Ostilda Ozenberger Crosswhite and Willard Perry Crosswhite. After graduating from Walker High School in Walker, Missouri, Ralph made his way to southern California. There he met Myrta MePeak, also from the town of Walker. They married in 1937, and raised their family of five children in Fullerton, California. During World War II, Ralph worked at Consolidated Vultee Aircraft (later to become McDonnell Douglas). After the war he established himself as a building contractor, a profession perfectly suited to his remarkable talents and his love of working with his hands. In 1964, Ralph expanded his company to include his son-in-law David Tornavacca as partner in the business. The partnership continued for many years until Ralph retired. In 2005, Ralph and Myrta moved to Centerville, Utah, to be near their daughter Marilyn Tornavacca and her family. Ralph is survived by one sister, Wilma Crosswhite Robb, and his five children: Kenneth Crosswhite of Spokane, Washington; Carol Newlin of Seattle, Washington; Marilyn Tornavacca of Centerville, Utah; Elaine Emery of Kensington, California; Clyde Crosswhite of Berkeley, California; and six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.