Services set for Ralph Danekas, former county commissioner, city councilman

Ralph H. Danekas, 90, died, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, in Spokane from injuries suffered in an accident while mowing his lawn at his home in Ritzville.

The son of Henry J. and Anna (Rosenoff) Danekas, he was born May 3, 1921, on a farm near Ritzville. He graduated from Ritzville High School in 1940. During WWII he served his county as a B-17 pilot. He married Dorothy Dean Doerschlag Dec. 11, 1943. They were married 66 years. She preceded him in death in December of 2009.

Together they owned and operated the Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville, starting the business in 1947. He was very active in the Ritzville community, he was past president of the Ritzville Lions Club, past master of the Ritzville Masonic Lodge and belonged to the Order of Eastern Star.

He served on the Ritzville City Council for four years, was an Adams County Commissioner for eight years, was president of the Washington State Funeral Directors in 1964 and served 12 years on the Washington State Examining Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. He also served four years on the state’s first Lottery Commission.

He is survived by his sister Lucille Telecky, Ritzville, and brother Robert Danekas of Grand Junction, Colo .; son Kirk (Ami) Danekas, daughter Lexie (Karl) Kupers both of Ritzville, and daughter Debbie Danekas of Edmonds; three grandchildren: Karla (Adam) Rimmer, Darin (Sadra) Danekas and Kyle (Julie) Kupers; five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was Aug. 14 and 15 at Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville.

Funeral services were Aug. 15, 2011, at Zion Philadelphia United Church of Christ in Ritzville.

Private family graveside services were held prior to the church services at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Ritzville Lions Club Remodeling Project, c/o Jim Leffel, 219 W. Main Avenue, Ritzville, WA 99169.

Danekas Funeral Home and Crematory, Ritzville, was in charge of funeral arrangements. Condolences may be left at http://www.danekasfuneralhome.org.