Richard C. Rash, a lifetime resident of LaPaz, died from an extended cancer-related illness at 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2000. Richard died at his residence in the loving care of family, friends and the Marshall County Hospice. He was 66 years old.
Born at home in LaPaz on February 24, 1933, he was the son of William J. Rash and Evelyn Moore Fry. His mother, who survives, lives in Bremen. He was a 1951 graduate of LaPaz High School.
On July 21, 1951, in the County Line Brethren Church in Lakeville, Richard and Lois A. Thomas were married.
He first worked at the Bendix Corp., after which he spent his working lifetime in the printing and packaging industry. He retired from Jeld-Win of Plymouth in 1997.
Flying and sky-diving was a special interest. A fun-loving, adventurous man, he loved any outdoor activity including farming and gardening. He enjoyed stock car racing, both as a spectator and a driver. He was a past member of the Demolay chapter of Lakeville.
A member of the LaPaz Town Board, Richard had served as both Clerk-Treasurer and President of the Board, with an involvement of nearly 30 years.
Richard is survived by his wife, Lois, his mother, two daughters and two sons. His daughters and their families are: Brenda and Michael Alberich, Ft. Rucker, AL., and their three children, Jason and Mary Alberich, of Atlanta Georgia; and children Jarrod and Johanna Alberich and Jaime Alberich. Daughter Lisa and Ritch Gay of LaPaz and their daughter, Cindee Gay of Elkhart.
His sons and their families are: Greg and Kathy Rash, LaPaz, their daughter, Angela Rash and her fiancee, Joel Fisher of Plymouth and Jessie and James Betcher, Ft. Wayne. Richard’s son, Curtis Rash of Plymouth, also survives with his two sons, Michael and Nicholas Rash, LaPaz.
Two great-grandsons, Grant and Drake Alberich survive as well.
Also surviving are Dave and Linda Rash, a brother and sister-in-law in LaPaz, Richard’s sister, Patricia and Edward Anderson of Bremen and numerous nieces and nephews.
William Rash, his father, and several uncles preceded Richard in death.
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, January 6, 2000, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.
The Rev. Larry Hansen, Pastor of the County Line Brethren Church and Pastor Tom Padberg, Hospice Chaplain, will officiate at Richard’s funeral service on Friday, January 7, 2000, at 11:00 A.M. in the funeral home.
Interment will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial gifts may be made in Richard’s memory to the Marshall County Hospice, the LaPaz Fire and EMS or the church of your choice.