Alberta Ann Ralph passed away peacefully after a short illness on Wednesday, Oct. 25 in Glen Mills, Pa. surrounded by family and friends. She was born in the family farmhouse in Bishopville, Md. on Dec. 11, 1924, daughter of the late Joseph W. and Stella M. (Tubbs) Hickman.
Alberta graduated from Buckingham High School in Berlin in June of 1942. She enjoyed entertainment, boating and a relaxing beach life. Alberta was involved in her community and was president of the VFW 7234 Ladies Auxiliary and held other offices as well.
Alberta was married to Leslie Hocker, son of Dr. Kendall and Neti (West) Hocker. They moved to Miami, FL where she worked in a PX during WWII. Leslie was a Sergeant in the military police. They have a daughter, Maria A. Hocker.
Later Alberta married Henry M. Ralph. Henry fought in the Pacific theater during WWII. They had twins: Ernest H. Ralph (wife Cheryl DePase Ralph) and Eric J. Ralph (deceased) (wife Sharon Hayden Ralph). Alberta and Henry lived in Seaford most of their lives and in retirement enjoyed being snowbirds escaping to their Florida home for the winters. She was a kindhearted and loving soul and will be deeply and genuinely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
In addition to her parents, Alberta was predeceased by her siblings: Joseph W. Hickman Jr., Ethel Mae Reed, Franklin J. Hickman, Clara Ellen Banks, Viola Edna (Peg) Megee and Betty June Vickers/Kelly. She is survived by six grandchildren: Susan Turner Davi, Matthew Turner, Zachary Ralph, Joseph Ralph, Sarah Ralph, and Douglas Ralph; and five great-grandchildren: Savannah Turner Lamott, Katie Turner, Danny Gershenfeld, Andy Gershenfeld and Alice Ralph.
Funeral services were held on Friday, Nov. 3 at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Clarksville Chapel in Ocean View. Interment followed at St. Georges Cemetery in Clarksville.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Alberta’s memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Please visit Alberta’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign the virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.