Rafael "Ralph" Antonio Sanchez was born May 3, 1944 in San Antonio, Texas to Alvaro and Theresa Sanchez. Ralph then moved to the St. Louis/Alma area in Michigan and grew up there with his eight siblings: Henry Sanchez (sp. Linda Sanchez); Michael (Mike) Sanchez; William (Bill) Sanchez (sp. Nancy Sanchez); Marie Anderson; Magdalena (Madge) Gaskill (sp. Jack Gaskill); Robert (Bob) Sanchez; Joseph (Joe) Sanchez (sp. Colleen Sanchez); and Raymond (Ray) Sanchez (sp. Robin Sanchez). Ralph was a wonderful father and teacher to five children: Scott (Jakee) Sanchez (who preceded Ralph in death); Lynette Ray, Brian Sanchez (sp. Cindy Sanchez), Leasa Sanchez, and Melissa Keener (sp. Ivan Keener). In addition to his biological children, Ralph always had an open- door policy, adopting many of those he took in over the years as "honorary children". Ralph also took extreme pride in all of his grandchildren and took every possible opportunity to brag about them. He had ten grandchildren: Brandon Ray, Chelsea Ray, Lauren Ray, Ivan Keener, Breanna Sanchez, Malachi Keener, Arete Keener, Anais Plaunt, Alexus (Lexi) Sanchez, and Billie Morrell. Growing up, Ralph enjoyed music and boxing. However, his favorite pastime throughout his entire life was spending time with family and friends. It is no secret to those who knew him that Ralph would light up every room he walked into with his positive disposition, enthusiasm for life, and extraordinary humor. His inability to hold a grudge and living demonstration of God's unconditional love were among his greatest legacies. Ralph retired from Ameritech, where he held many different positions in the communications field. Following his retirement, he worked at Dean Transportation as an aid and driver for special needs kids. Ralph passed away on April 24, 2015 -- just before his 71st birthday -- joining his heavenly Father, parents, son, and other loved ones. He is greatly loved and will be extremely missed, but we take comfort that he is now completely healed. Memorial services for Mr. Sanchez will be held Wednesday, April 29, 11am at the Riley Funeral Home, 426 West St. Joseph Street, Lansing MI, 48933. Memories and condolences can be shared at rileyfuneralhome.com.