Ralph L. Smith, Sr. who was better known as Butch' by family and close friends, 73 of Wittenberg died on Tuesday, July 9, 2013. Born on October 28, 1939 in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, he is the son of the late Ralph B. and Ruth M. (Fowler) Smith. Ralph graduated from Gambier High School in Gambier, Ohio. He attended Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts as well as the Kenyon College in Gambier and was in the Army reserves. On October 30, 1970 in Brandon, Ohio, Ralph and Anna K. Steinhauer were happily united in marriage. Ralph was a life-long farmer. He was very proud of his dairy herd and honored to have his family continue his Registered Holstein dairy operation. Family was always at the top of Ralph's list; he enjoyed cookouts as well as visiting family and friends on or near the Ohio homestead. Ralph was a deer hunter and an avid sports fan, following the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Green Bay Packers. He especially enjoyed watching his son and grandson play high school football. Ralph is survived by: his wife, Anna; his children, Ralph (LouAnn) Smith, Jr. of Wittenberg, Jennifer (Daniel) Cook of Wittenberg, Laura (Lee) Slater of Birnamwood; 4 grandchildren, Nathan and Megan Smith and Carley and Brandon Slater. He is further survived by his siblings, George Smith, Kathryn Smith, and Barbara Butler, all of Mt. Vernon, OH, Sandra (Tom) Williams of Tiffin, OH; a sister-in-law, Karen Steinhauer of Mattoon, WI; 3 step-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at the Elias Lutheran Church with the Rev. Dennis Creswell officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LeRoyer Hospice, 112 E. 5th Avenue, Antigo, WI 54409, Elias Lutheran Church or the Hopewell United Methodist Church in care of Barbara Butler, 18301 Hopewell Road, Mt. Vernon, Ohio 43050. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the caring staff at the LeRoyer Hospice for the exceptional care given to Ralph.