Ralph Elsworth Mumma

Ralph Elsworth Mumma, one of three children of Charles S. and Anna Ashdown Mumma, was born March 25, 1897, on a farm near Port Byron, Illinois, and passed away August 17, 1982, at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska, at the age of 85 years, 4 months and 23 days.

Ralph grew up on a farm near Port Byron, Illinois, where he attended elementary school. In 1911 his family moved to a farm near Nelson, Nebraska, where he attended high school. He lived on the farm until moving to Nelson after his retirement in 1952. Ralph worked at Portwood Clothing Store and served as the City Clerk of Nelson for many years.

Ralph was active in the Nelson United Methodist Church. He sang in the choir and for many other special events. He served either as a Sunday School teacher, superintendent or church board member for most of the 62 years he was a member of the church. At his passing, he was serving as Lay Leader.

He was secretary of the Farmers Union Elevator board for 27 years. He served three terms on the County Extension Board and on the Rationing Board during the war years. For a number of years he assisted the secretary of the County Fair Board. He organized and led the Fancy Feeders 4-H Club for 19 years. He was a member of the Nelson Community Band for many years.

Ralph is the Past Commander of the Nelson American Legion Post #187 and a Life Member. He is Past Commander of the Department of Nebraska Veterans of World War I, serving this Post in 1975-1976 and 1981-1982. He was serving on the Board of Inquiry and Review of Nebraska Veteran's Homes and a member of the Nebraska Veteran's Council.

Preceding him in death were both of his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Esther of Nelson; daughter, Mrs. Ray (Evelyn) Snyder of Hastings; three sons, Merle of New Orleans, Louisiana, Ray of Port Hueneme, California, and Charles of Bismarck, North Dakota; two sisters, Mrs. Paul (Lila) Mumma of Santa Monica, California, and Elva Mumma of Nelson; 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 20, at 2 p.m. from the United Methodist Church in Nelson with Rev. Paul Samuelson and Rev. Fred Snyder officiating. Soloist, Tom Murray, sang "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" and "Have Thine Own Way, Lord", accompanied by Ivan Schafer, organist. Casketbearers were Bill Mumma, Phillip Mumma, Wayne McClure, Kenneth Hamel, Wilbur Wilson and Ivan Troudt. Honorary casketbearers were Earl Schufeldt, Albert Klawitter, Guy Bruce, Wilber Williams, Allen Kruse, Russell Reeve, Gordon Sheets and Ralph Bottenfield. Tribute by WW I Barracks #2275 was given by Carl Washington and Glen Friend. Military rites were provided by Nelson American Legion #187. Interment was in the Nelson Cemetery. The Klawitter Funeral Home of Nelson was in charge of the arrangements.

The Nelson Gazette, Thursday, August 26, 1982; pg. 2 Inscription: Pvt. US Army

• Updated from Find A Grave Memorial via mother Anna A Mumma (born Ashdown) by SmartCopy: Aug 29 2015, 19:22:22 UTC