SAVOY – Ralph Benton Ambler, 87, son of Arthur and Nellie (Harshbarger) Ambler, passed away at Autumn Fields Adult Community in Savoy on Friday (May 6, 2016).
He was born in Danville on June 26, 1928, and grew up in Newman with his parents, two brothers and three sisters. He married Suzanne L. Osborne on Nov. 24, 1949, in Decatur.
He is survived by Sue, his loving and devoted wife of 66 years; their children, Ben (Carol Redfern) Ambler of Bloomington, Gary Ambler (Barbara Evans) of Urbana, Karen (Roger) Mohr of Broadlands and Pat (Joe) Ambler-Perry of Ocean City, Md.; grandchildren, Jennifer (Maurice) Robinson, Steven (Jen Lam) Ambler, Brittany Ambler, Sam (Ryann Elder) Ambler, Ross (Belinda Acuna) Mohr, Brandy (Mark) Danner, Leigh Anna (Nicholas) DeLoreto and Clayton (Kate) Perry; and their seven great-grandchildren (with an eighth on the way).
Also surviving are sister Janet Miller, sister-in-law Alleane Ambler, brother- and sister-in-law William and Mary Jane Osborne, brother-in-law Robert Osborne, and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Ruth Boyer, Dale Ambler, Glenn Ambler, Robert Ambler and Frances Fonner.
Ralph received his undergraduate degree from Millikin University in Decatur and his graduate degrees from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. His career as an educator spanned the years 1953 through 1985. He taught and coached sports at Jamaica and ABL high schools, then became principal at ABL.
Ralph then moved to St. Joseph-Ogden High School, where he served as superintendent until his retirement in 1985. He is fondly remembered by his colleagues and the many students he mentored over the years.
After retiring, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was well-known for his sense of humor, and his love of fishing and growing tomatoes. He loved telling stories about growing up with his brothers, and playing and coaching athletics. Ralph was named The Newman Express while playing football at Millikin, a name he was still lovingly called by his family. And he got better looking every day!
His family would like to thank the staff at Autumn Fields and the Carle Hospice Team for their support and care.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Urbana First United Methodist Church, 304 S. Race St., Urbana. Burial will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the Urbana First United Methodist at the above address or to the Celebration Company at the Station Theatre, Box 2906, Station A, Champaign, IL 61825-2906.
Condolences may be offered at www.morganmemorialhome.com.
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