Ralph “Linn” Fitch
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The Grumpy Old Man that everyone loved. Graveside services for Ralph L. Fitch, 70, Lawrence, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence. Ralph passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2021 at Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, KS.
Ralph was born on August 11, 1950 in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Jack and Loraine (Crawford) Fitch.
He retired from the United States Navy.
Survivors include his son, Jonathan Fitch, sisters, Debra Fitch, Julie Fitch, grandchildren, Breanna Fitch, Jeffrey Fitch, and great-grandchild, Kingsleigh Tarter.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Linda in 1994, wife, Judy Fitch in 2017, daughter, Michelle Fitch, and brother, Donald Fitch.
Ralph will be lying in state 4:00 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 29, 2021 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ralph’s name to The American Heart Association and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Ralph was a wonderful friend. He worked hard to make Linn Valley a better place for everyone while serving as mayor and before and after leaving office. He will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Ralph and Peggy Wallace
you know as I think about Lynn , it makes me sad that I will never hear the words: well god-:$n Montgomery where the hell you been sure good to see ya . He always had that Fitch welcome A directness That hit you between the eyes with a whole lot of caring and love wrapped around it . One things for sure ,we’re ever Linn ends up heaven or Hell there in for ride !
Julie I am sorry for the passing of your brother Linn. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending prayers to all of your family.
The top ten things I learned from Linn…
1. Service to country.
2. Family is family and family is most important.
3. Resilience after loss of those you love.
4. A sentence can have more cuss words than nouns and still have meaning.
5. A bad day on the golf course is better than a great day off the course.
6. No one is a stranger.
7. Fight to the very end.
8. A great smile can light up a room.
9. Cousins have a special bond cemented through a lifetime of memories.
10. You only go around once and don’t give a shit about what others think.
I’ll always cherish theses lessons and be grateful for that he was a part of my life. ❤️
My heart is so sad that we will no longer see Ralph at Linn Valley Lakes. He was such a huge part of the Valley. He worked for the POA delivering water and working maintenance. He served as Councilman, Mayor, Codes Enforcement Officer and building maintenance. He loved going out with his friends on Deer Trace Golf Course. He always called me Sweetie. He was like family to me. RIP Ralph – Love you!
I second what Cheryl Fitch said! Growing up with cousin Linn I have so many wonderful memories. You always knew where you stood with him and he said what he thought. But behind that gruff appearance was a guy who would stand up for you and his family meant everything to him.
Will miss you dearly cousin and rest well. ❤️
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Fitch family. I babysat for Linn, Donnie,Debbie and Julie. The fact that I was only three years older than Linn was interesting in of itself, but Jack and Lorraine knew those boys needed an overseer.
Many fun times in the Fitch household on those numerous adventures in babysitting. May he rest in peace and may memories of him be a blessing.