Ralph L. Manchester, 85, of Cleaveland Ave, Canton, died Saturday, January 7, 2012 at the Franklin County Nursing Home, where he had been a resident since August 2011.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 14th at 11:00 a.m. at the Canton United Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Jones officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in the Hermon Cemetery. The Family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Church Fellowship Hall.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Beth of Canton; three daughters, Debra Longnecker and husband Blaine of Chitenango, Diane Stofer and husband Tom of Webster and Paula Manchester of Brewerton; a sister, Alice Morgan of Utah; a brother, Loren of Harrisville; seven grandchildren, Emily Kiszka and husband Brent, Daniel Longnecker, Douglas, Garrett and Ethan Stofer and Karen and Bradley Gentile; a special nephew, Earle; and an IFS daughter, from Columbia, Chavel Moore of Anchorage, AK.

He was born January 30, 1926, in Pitcairn, a son of Elmer and Hazel (Worden) Manchester. He graduated Harrisville High School and later Watertown Business School. On July 31, 1954, he married Bethany Fisk at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church with Rev. Wm. C. Wood as celebrant. Ralph was employed as a bookkeeper for John P. Coakley and Sons for 31 years and retired in 1999 from LeBerge & Curtis after 22 years.

He was a former member of the St. Lawrence Lodge 111 F & A.M., former member of the Empire Hermon Chapter O.E.S. 68 and member of the Canton United Methodist Church.

Ralph enjoyed Beth’s flower garden, especially the rose bushes, playing the piano, his pet Golden Retrievers and especially his family and grandchildren.

Those desiring may send memorial contributions to Canton United Methodist, 41 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence Funeral Home, Canton. Condolences may be sent to www.lawrencefuneralhome.org.