In Memory

Donald Ralston

 

 

 

WA - Donald H. Ralston passed away surrounded by family on February 17, 2025—two days after his 50th wedding anniversary and one day before his 81st birthday.

Don was born in Rockford, Illinois, to Wilbur and Mary (Harvey) Ralston. Life on the family farm in Argyle, Illinois, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community. He enjoyed a successful banking career, which aligned with his enthusiasm for investing. Don also spent many years facilitating the Current Affairs group at the Edmonds Senior Center. Always curious, he was an avid reader and a member of the Friends of the Library in Edmonds.

He will be remembered for his love of music—especially the blues genre and The Rolling Stones—and for his great sense of humor, which was cherished by family and friends. His love of sports and lifelong commitment to fitness began with high school and college basketball success. This continued with 5:00 a.m. workouts, day after day, for as long as he was able.

Don is survived by his wife, Janet (Claussen); and his sons, Andrew and Matthew (Amanda); his beloved grandsons, Isaac, Jackson, and Desmond; his sister, Carol (Tom) Ferguson; his nephew, Scott (Ali) Preston ; and his cousin, Dave (Luz) Harvey. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sue Preston.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Don may be made to the Friends of the Library in Edmonds or the American Cancer Society.

Don will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.



 
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10/07/25 10:36 AM #1    

Chris Nelson

Even though we didn't really know each other in high school, Don and I became e-mail friends two or three years ago. We both were Army veterans...he served in Thailand and I was in Vietnam...and we both have suffered with prostate cancer (possibly caused by Agent Orange we were exposed to during the war)...and also were basketball fans, and those two issues are mostly what we talked about.

I always remembered when Don was on the Auburn basketball team that he was a great player and a nice guy...and during the time I got to know him in the last few years, he always kept an optimistic mindset even though his health was declining.

Don Ralston was one of the truly good guys, and he will be missed.


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