Ralph A. Moody

With great sadness and heavy hearts, it’s announced that a wonderful man, Ralph Arthur Moody earned his gold, silver and bronze Angel Wings.  On January 25, 2024 he was greeted at the Pearly Gates by his beloved wife, only son and wonderful transplant donor.  Ralph was a husband, father and friend to all: since he never met a stranger.

Ralph was born May 17, 1933 to Byron G. and Minnie M. (Sigourney) Moody.  He passed while visiting Sherman, Texas at the age of 90.   

After graduating from Hastings High School, Ralph entered the United States Army, serving in the Army Military Police in Texas.  After returning home, he worked for the area telephone company before joining Post Cereals for 37 years.

Ralph and his late wife of 64 years, Virginia, collected Post memorabilia throughout their employment.  This enabled them to achieve their dream of forming their own “Post Museum”. A true sign of his love for Post.

Travel was a huge part of his life.  From camping to international travel & cruises, he visited all 7 continents.  He loved these experiences which allowed him experience anything & everything, especially cuisine.  He enjoyed participating in hot air ballooning, locally to internationally as well as collecting antiques from trinkets to cars.   He cherished his time with the Sunset Cruisers of Battle Creek.  Ralph also participated in every aspect of giving back to the Battle Creek, Bellevue and Post communities his whole life.  

Ralph also enjoyed farming, fishing, going to the Casino and meeting friends regularly for lunches and dinners.  He also took any opportunity to celebrate family, friends and life, throwing wonderful parties & BBQs on the homestead.

The entire Moody family has a special place in their hearts for “The Gift of Life”.  Their prayers were answered on December 13, 1995 when Ralph received a heart transplant at the Cleveland Clinic, lasting him over 29 years.  The family wishes to extend their profound gratitude to all involved in that process.  His transplant allowed him many opportunities, including participating in the Transplant Olympics.  Internationally, Ralph earned gold, silver & bronze medals in the shot put, softball throw and walking events, and also had the opportunity to meet fellow transplant recipient, Larry Hagman.  Ralph was always an advocate with the Secretary of State offices for the Organ Donor registration program and he truly used every second of his “second chance” heart to its fullest.  Not missing a beat!

Ralph is survived by his loving daughter, Melissa Kay Moody of Kalamazoo.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; his parents; his son, Mark Moody; his brother, Clifford (Pat) Moody; and his niece, Judy Moody. 

RIP DAD. Happy, Healthy, Heavenly, Home.  Love you to the Moon & Back! Toot-a-loo! Melissa

The family will receive friends 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 13^th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where services to celebrate Ralph’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Joy Union Cemetery, where his remains will join Virginia and be laid to rest.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association and or R.O.A.R. (Reflections Outcast Animal Rescue), 534 Woodside Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49037. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Ralph may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.