Ralph Dean Harding

Ralph Dean Harding, 80, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at the Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community in Buhler. He was born on July 30, 1944 in Salina, Kansas to Robert E. and Gladys (Young) Harding. He graduated from Salina High School with the class of 1962. Ralph was united in marriage to Bonnie Scharf on December 7, 1968 in McPherson, Kansas. She survives of the home after almost 56 years of marriage. He worked as a printer for Kittell Printing, eventually owning the business. Ralph later owned and operated Miller Office Supply. In 1974, Ralph began working at Johns Manville as a training specialist, where he worked until his retirement. Ralph attended Countryside Covenant Church in McPherson and often volunteered his time helping with custodial work. He enjoyed attending the Wednesday coffee group. Ralph was a member of the Elks Club, on the Churches United in Ministry Board, and the Board for Save & Share and Park Department. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, reading, collecting stamps and playing cards every Monday night. Ralph loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs. He loved music and his dogs, and would walk 10,000 steps with his dog every day. Ralph enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states, and loved going to Vegas. He was known to give almost everyone a special nickname. Above all, he loved his children and grandchildren. Ralph is survived by his wife, Bonnie Harding of McPherson; daughter, Misty Harding-Zerkel (Stephen) of McPherson; son, Beau (Heather) Harding of South Hutchinson; three grandchildren, Lacey Zerkel, Hannah Rae Chesney, and Jacob Chesney; brother, James (Jerry) Harding of Manhattan; two sisters-in-law, Sandy Harding of Overland Park and Beverly Scharf of McPherson; and aunt, Anita Young of Omaha, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Robert Harding Jr. and William Harding. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 9, 2024 at the Countryside Covenant Church, McPherson. The services will be broadcasted at https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-uvnlnombqe2cnq4rxm2u. Burial will take place at McPherson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Countryside Covenant Church, Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, or Traditions Health Hospice in care of Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Funeral Home, 222 W Euclid, McPherson, KS 67460.

Ralph Dean Harding

August 30, 1944 - December 4, 2024