Gilmanton, NH— Ralph Grant Merkley, 68, of Sargent Road, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019, at his residence.
Ralph was born on July 14, 1950, in Cleveland, OH, the son of Clifford Grant Merkley and Elizabeth (Brodbent) Merkley. He is also survived by his step-mother, Mary A. Merkley.
Ralph was a proud United States veteran who served in our U.S. Army during the Vietnam era.
Ralph was an avid gardener, woodworker, and wine-maker. He loved, hiking, cross country skiing and doing anything outdoors with nature and wildlife.
Ralph was a loving friend, husband, brother and grandfather. He will be missed by all.
Ralph is survived by his brothers, Greg Merkley, and wife, Mary Merkley, of Dover, NH, Rodger Merkley, of Somersworth, NH, Brandon Merkley, and wife, Janet Merkley, of Barrington, NH, Rustin Merkley, of Carboro, NC and two sisters, Debrah McNamara, and husband, Mathew McNamar, of Dodge City, KS, and Heidi Merkley-Mulcahey, and husband, John Mulcahey, of Palm Springs, CA and his step-children, Kim Dompier, and husband Ken Dompier, of Chester, CT, Keith Graham, and wife Teresa Graham, of Needham, MA, and Kerry Meyer of York, ME, as well as his grandchildren: Jared, Kamilla, Jackson, Amelia, Sam, Tyler, and Ryan. He is also survived by his two best friends, Maureen Ballester and James Penfaski.
In addition to both his parents, Ralph is predeceased by his loving wife, Cheryl (LaFrance) Merkley.
There will be no calling hours. An intimate family service will be held at a later date.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.