Ralph J. Schnell

Ralph J. Schnell, age 88, of North Washington died Monday July 22, 2024 at the V.A. Community Living Center in Butler, whose tender, loving care was much appreciated by his family.

Ralph was born on September 9, 1935 at his family’s home in Bruin.  He was the 6th child of the late Josiah N. and Minnie (Sumney) Schnell whose family later grew to eleven children.

Ralph was a U.S. Army Veteran having served in the United States and Korea from 1958-1960. He had worked at Witco Chemical for 43 years, retiring in 1997. Ralph loved walking the hills & woods behind his home, the Clearview Mall, or the Rodeo Grounds with his wife and dogs through the years. The dog he had at the time was always the best dog he ever had.  He also loved to tinker in his garage welding and running his metal lathe. 

Ralph is survived by his wife, Wilma O. Daubenspeck Schnell, whom he married on July 18, 1960 in Bruin; his son, Thomas J. Schnell and his wife, Judith, of West Sunbury; one grandson, Eli Schnell, of West Sunbury; two step grandsons: Michael Devinney and his wife, Ofek, of North Carolina and Elliot Devinney of Cranberry; one step granddaughter, Katelynn Devinney, of Brooklyn, New York; and four step great grandchildren of North Carolina. He is also survived by two sisters: Maxine Craig of Chicora and Mary (Doyle) Maurhoff of North Washington; three brothers and their wives: Lee & Sara Schnell of Karns City, Jim & Ruth Schnell of Chicora and Dennis & Marjorie Schnell of Georgia; one sister-in-law, Judy Schnell, of Karns City; along with a number of nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and his best dog ever, Buddy.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by three brothers: Earl, Dean and his wife Peg, and Larry “Pete” Schnell; and two sisters: Clara and her husband Jim Edmonds and Helen and her husband Bob Stewart along with other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Private Burial Services were held for the family at North Washington Cemetery. The Young Family of William F. Young Funeral Home, West Sunbury has assisted with arrangements.

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