Ralph Walter Renshaw, 85, of Nashville, Michigan, formerly of Athens and Bronson, Michigan passed away Friday, July 3, 2026 at his home surrounded by family.
In keeping with his wishes, Ralph will be cremated and a memorial service will take place at 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation, 1276 Tate Trail, Union City, MI with Pastor Terry Siler officiating.
A gathering of family and friends will be held just prior to the service from 4:00-7:00 p.m., also Friday at the Lighthouse.
Ralph was born August 9, 1940 to Harry and Mary (Armontrout) Renshaw in Olivet, Michigan. He graduated from Athens High School with the Class of 1959.
Ralph proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 until 1964 as Military Policeman in Africa and Spain.
For over 40 years, he operated his dairy farm on T Drive South in Athens, farming 1500 acres. He enjoyed sailing his 42-foot sailboat in the Virgin Islands and around Lake Michigan, spending winters in Florida, riding anything that would go fast; motorcycles, dune buggies, skiing, running the dunes of silver lake. He had worked delivering flowers for Bronson Floral for the past several years.
Surviving Ralph are his daughters, Cindy (Kevin) Shilton of Nashville, Michelle (AJ) Swift of Bronson, Emily (Matt) Melrose of Loveland, CO, Rebecca (Brad) Southern of Florence, KY; grandchildren, Nicole (James Vickery) Prough of Hastings, Dannielle Prough of San Diego, CA, Victoria (Levi) Westendorp of Nashville, MI, Jordan Shilton of Jeffersonville, IN, Savannah (Doug) Sears of Springfield, Thomas (Mikalya) Shilton of Vermontville, Britani (Jordan Stasa) Shilton of Battle Creek, Natalie (Doug) Brazo of Sturgis, Kaylee Swift of Bronson, Grace, Ella, Jack, Oliver and Sam Melrose of Loveland, CO; his great-grandchildren, Emersyn Westendorp, Brooks Westendorp, Blakelyn Shilton; former wife Rene Renshaw; his sister, Joyce Steinbach of Oregon; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Henry Schwartz; his brothers, David and Harry Renshaw; and his sister Janette Akehurst.
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