Obituary

Remembering Ralph “Luck” Bowden

Ralph “Luck” Bowden, age 78, of Cedar Springs passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Ralph proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, including a tour of duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam conflict. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed working as a part of the grounds crew at the Kent County airport. He also loved bowling, golfing, fishing, deer hunting, and working on old cars. Ralph will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his fun, out-going personality that made him a great friend and neighbor, especially with the neighborhood children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Betty; sisters, Avice Heckman, Gail Lacy; brother, Tim Bowden. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Sherri; granddaughter, Caitlin Monden; great granddaughter, Layla Stratz; special family, Bill and Lorri Hamilton; mother-in-law, Maxine Schaaf; Chris Bowden; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 12 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2024 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, with Pastor Ben Puckett officiating.  Burial will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Children of Fallen Patriots.

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Sherri, you and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers. We are not able to attend the memorial, but you will be in our prayers.

— Steve Westra

Ralph will be dearly missed by all who knew him. I remember his sense of humor. He was always kind and caring. Rest in peace, Ralph. Sherri has many friends and family to surround her with love and comfort in the days ahead.

— Beverly Bishop

I met Ralph through his wife Sherri while I was a member of a legal professional association. Ralph was always a character, with a great sense of humor, and a story to tell. My heart goes out to Sherri, and their entire family for comfort during this difficult time.

— Kathleen Klish

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