Ralph Delvin Fitzthum, age 81 of Oroville, died on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. He was born on December 22, 1931 in Tonasket to parents Alvin and Frieda Fitzthum.

Ralph grew up on Siwash Creek where he worked with his father in the family sawmill. He entered the U.S. Army and served in Korea. Following an honorable discharge, he moved home where he met the love of his life, Ardith, and worked as a logger and catskinner. On July 17, 1955 he married Ardith Carlquist in Oroville. Together they lived in Tonasket, Spokane and then moved to Renton where Ralph worked as a mechanic at Boeing for 32 years. Following retirement, they moved to Oroville. Ralph enjoyed the outdoors; he especially loved hunting with family in the Bonaparte area. He was a member of the Eagles and was a Past Worthy President and a life member of the Grand Aerie.

He is survived by his wife Ardith, at home in Oroville; four children: Cory Fitzthum of Oroville, Ralph Arthur Fitzthum, Jr. and wife Jennifer of Oroville, Tracy Brown and husband Daryl of Renton and Kelly Fitzthum of California; one brother: Don Fitzthum of Spokane; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Royce, Dover and Randy and one sister, Evelyn.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the Havillah Cemetery with Dave Wildermuth, officiating. A Celebration of Life and potluck will follow at the Oroville Eagles at 5 p.m.

Please share your thoughts and memories by signing Ralph’s online guestbook at www.berghfuneralservice.com