Ralph Woods

Age 77, passed away on January 6, 2019 at Bronson Hospital, following a brief illness. Ralph was born on June 29, 1941 in Knoxville, Tennessee to the union of Mary L. Kemp and Gerald Woods. Ralph lived to the fullest. He was a stellar athlete throughout his school years, excelling in basketball, baseball, track and football. He enjoyed a brief career with the Detroit Tigers and was a member of The Delcos, a successful doo-wop group, prior to serving his country in the United States Air Force. After his service, Ralph settled in South Bend, Indiana and then in Kalamazoo to complete his education at Western Michigan University. His career as an educator was spent at Three Rivers High School. After retiring from Three Rivers Public Schools, he pursued a lifelong passion for photography, freely sharing his art with his friends and family. He was preceded in death by his mother, a brother, Van Woods, a special aunt, Minnie L. Brown and his father-in-law, Dale VanAntwerp. Ralph leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Melinda "Mel" VanAntwerp-Woods and his mother-in-law, Leona VanAntwerp, other relatives a circle of special friends and "the girls". In accordance with Ralph's wishes, there will be no memorial service and, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ministry With Community or a charity of one's choice, c/o the funeral home. Friends and family are encouraged to leave a condolence message at www.joldersma-klein.com.