Ralph Creed McTall passed away on September 13, 2024, at his home.
He was born October 7, 1939, in Washington D.C to Evelyn (Creed) McTall and Ralph Lewis McTall and moved to the Irvington/Clay Hill area as a child where he attended Clay Hill one-room school and told stories from that time for many years. Ralph graduated from Centralia Township High School, Centralia Junior College, and SIU Carbondale where he received his Master’s and Specialist’s Degrees in Education.
Ralph married Leora Coulter on December 11, 1959, and she survives.
Other survivors include children: Diane and David Boswell, Michael McTall, and Doug and Donna McTall and grandchildren: Jessica and Blake Freels, Josh Boswell and Tiffani Ihrig, Katie and Cheyenne Boswell, Kaley McIntosh, Lacey and Tyler Burmester, Ethan McTall, and Caterina McTall. Great grandchildren: Rylee, Dexter, Winona, Levi, and Rowan. He is also survived by nieces and nephews: Roger and LuAnn Wolff, Randy and Jodi Wolff, Rhonda and Rich Rumer, Robert and Sara Ludwig, Renee and Doug Krebs, and Rama and Jeff Seats. Also, his brother-in-law: Gary (Barb) Coulter, and sister-in-law Arlene Kummetz.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Susan McTall, and grandson-in-law: Daniel McIntosh.
Ralph was an avid photographer throughout his entire life, and along with Leora, owned the Ralph McTall Studio and Camera Shop in downtown Centralia. He was the plant manager for Candles by Wax Craftsmen in Irvington and clerked for many years with Auctioneer Bill Windler. He had a long career in education, teaching and coaching at many local grade schools including Oakdale, Richview, Ashley, Lincoln, and Woodlawn and ending up at Irvington Grade School as the Superintendent until his retirement.
He was an active member of Irvington United Methodist Church where he was treasurer for many years and proud to be the official bell ringer; past president of Irvington Ruritan Club, member of the Centralia Elks Lodge 493; St. Louis Gateway Postcard Club; Washington, Jefferson, Marion County Historical Societies; and Centralia Area History Museum.
His favorite pastime involved researching and documenting the history of Irvington, including genealogy of family and friends. He spoke at length to Irvington residents and recorded their memories to better understand the history of the town he loved so much.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Ralph’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook Page.
