Obituary of Ralph Morton Wetmore

alph M. Wetmore passed from this life to his heavenly home on December 2, 2016 at the age of 92. Son of Ralph E. and Ella B. Wetmore, he was born on May 25, 1924 in Lodi, California, where he was raised and lived his entire life. Ralph, also known as Mort or Morton, attended Lodi schools and graduated from Lodi Union High School in 1942. He proudly served his country in the United States Army (1943-1946) during WWII. He was a conscientious objector, serving as a medic. He completed his service to the U.S. Army with the rank of sergeant, having served in Manila, Philippines, training new recruits as medics. He came home from WWII and attended Stockton College and the University of the Pacific. Ralph received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from UOP. During this time, he met his future wife, Mary Grace Nikkel. They were married in August of 1948 and celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Early in his career as a lifelong educator, Ralph was employed by New Hope School District in Thornton, serving as principal/superintendent. He then worked for Lodi Unified School District and started as a teacher at Needham School. He later became principal at George Washington Elementary and then Lodi Senior Elementary. He retired from LUSD as Personnel Director in 1984. Ralph received the Silver Beaver Award in 1972 for distinguished service with the Boy Scouts of America andthe Alumnus of the Year Award from UOP in 1983. He was awarded the honor of Veteran Gideon, having distributed Bibles for years to local schools, hospitals and motels with Gideons International. He was a lifetime member of the Parent Teacher Association. Ralph was a strong supporter of and consummate bell ringer for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season for many years after his retirement. As a child, he attended the First Congregational Church of Lodi and was a member for many years. In later years, he and Mary Grace were members at Vinewood Community Church, serving in many capacities. Ralph was preceded in death by his sister and her husband, Dorothy and Dave Kraft and his nephew Don Kraft. He is survived by his wife, Mary Grace Wetmore, his children, Jonathan Wetmore (Cathy), Becky Hudson (Scott), Lisa Shinn (Larry) and Mary Beth VerHagen (Scott), his grandchildren, Sarah Hudson Newton, Ruth Hudson Fox, Andrew Shinn, Jonathan Shinn, Aaron Shinn, Zachary VerHagen, Michael VerHagen and Lauren VerHagen, 10 great grandchildren, his niece, Diane Eachus (Ted) and their son Garrett. Ralph has left a legacy of faith, love, integrity, humility, kindness and hope. These qualities were demonstrated in every aspect of his life, personal and professional. As an administrative negotiator for LUSD, all teams at his bargaining table left feeling honored. He mentored many teachers by his example of respect and dignity. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 7th at 2:00pm at Vinewood Community Church, Lodi. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Lodi Adult Day Care, Salvation Army, Gideons or the Heifer Project .