Sandra Ralph

RALPH, Sandra Joyce, age 84 of Dayton passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Hospice of Dayton. She was born on May 28, 1941, in Akron, OH to the late Robert and Mildred (Holland) Wilson. Also preceding her in death is her husband, William Ralph and brother, Roger Wilson. Sandy is survived by her loving daughter, Candice Sweet; brother and sister-in-law David (Nancy) Wilson; father of her daughter, Jim (Naomi) Tredinnick; lifelong friends Judy Martinson, the Hansford family and many extended family and dear friends.

Sandy earned a Master's of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in 1968 and was an ordained minister. She was a longtime member of the North Riverdale Lutheran and Fairview United Methodist Choirs.

Sandy enjoyed roller skating, in which she competed professionally, and riding motorcycles with her husband, Bill. Sandy was an avid stamp collector and member of the Dayton Philatelic Society and served as President. Sandy worked for the City of Dayton for 30 years. In her extended career, she served as a Recreation Center Director at numerous recreation centers. She was responsible for many innovative and creative programs, including the River’s Edge Skate Race, a Citywide Disco Dance Contest, a special needs summer camp, a cross-country ski program and a motorcycle safety program. She oversaw a Satellite Recreation Program in Dayton Public Schools and helped sustain Wesleyan Nature Center until it became part of the MetroParks system. Sandy was also a member of the Administrative Council for the FROC Priority Board.

Sandy was a devoted wife and mother with a zest for fun and adventure and love for her furry friends. Her friends were family and enjoyed outdoor volleyball games, summer picnics and New Year's Day meals.

Friends and family may visit from 5-7:00pm on Thursday, August 14 at Westbrock Funeral Home, 1712 Wayne Ave. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, at Fairview United Methodist Church, 828 W. Fairview Dr., Dayton. Sandy will be laid to rest in the Dayton National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fairview United Methodist Church.