Ralph Coons, 75

Ralph E. Coons, age 75, of Niles, passed away Thursday, October 6th, 2011 at his home. He was born in South Bend, Indiana on March 15, 1936, a son of  Ralph L. and Mona E. (Groom) Coons. Ralph served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. On April 15, 1973 he married Barbara Wright in Jones. She preceded him in death June 2008. He worked as a truck driver. Ralph was a member of the American Legion Post 170 of Three Rivers and was a former member of the Eagles. He enjoyed reading Westerns, boating and talking about trucks with his friends. 

Surviving are his daughters Cathleen (Kiley) Vanderhoof of Jones, Cassandra (John Wellington) Foghino of Three Rivers, son  Leslie Coons of Kalamazoo, fiance Marie Manley of Niles, step daughter Melissa (Tony) Rodriguez of Niles, sister  Celia Warapius of South Bend, IN,  grandchildren Lauren Vanderhoof, Mason Pontius, Stephanie Pontius, Robby Bowers, Darrell (Carolann) Wood, Amanda (Mike) Harris, step grandchildren Michael and Richard Newcomer and Tori Rodriguez, Gt. grandchildren Skylar and Kamelia Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and sister Ramona Johnson. 
A Memorial Service will be held at the home of Melissa Rodriguez , 1101 Topinabee,  Niles, MI, at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 15th,  with Pastor Norm Reimes officiating. 
Interment of Ashes will be in the Constantine Cemetery at 5 pm on Oct. 15. On line messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.