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Ralph Lane
August 24th, 1957 - October 23rd, 2023
Age: 66 years
Ralph Allan Lane, 66, of Midland, died the morning of October 23, 2023, at his home with his loving family by his side. Son of Christa (Barth) Lane and the late Allan Lane, Ralph was born in Midland on August 24, 1957. Ralph’s Father was also a Journeyman Electrician and although Ralph spent most of his life in Midland, he and his family traveled for work opportunities. His favorite childhood memories were of family camping trips and fishing with his “Opa”.
Ralph graduated from Dow High School in 1975, and after graduation started an apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #892. Upon completion of his apprenticeship in 1977, Ralph became a third generation journeyman electrician. He completed work to become a Master Journeyman Electrician in 1990. There is hardly a street in the whole of Midland where Ralph hasn’t done some kind of electrical work. He executed electrical work on industrial sites, commercial buildings, and hundreds of residential homes. Ralph’s amazing work ethic, and determination to provide impeccable, safe, and fair-priced electrical service meant that even at the end of his life former customers were calling and requesting his electrical advice and services.
Ralph and Jennifer were married in 1991 in the Universalist Unitarian Church of Farmington. As a couple, they loved vacationing on the shore of Lake Michigan, and spent hours together playing word games. Ralph and Jennifer welcomed their beloved twin children, Ella and Kent in 2001. As the children grew, Ralph treasured watching every basketball and lacrosse game that Ella played, attending football games to see Ella in the marching band, enjoyed cheering on Kent’s robotics team, and was an active Boy Scout leader in Kent’s troop 763. Ralph proudly watched as Ella graduated from Heidelberg University last spring, and was excitedly anticipating her walk again next spring to receive her master’s degree. While Ralph was a very hard working man who dedicated many hours to his field, his greatest joys were those times spent with family and friends.
As a member of the First United Methodist church in Midland, Ralph was a dedicated volunteer for the LOGOS program, and many other ministries of the church. Even after transferring his membership to the First United Methodist church in Mt. Pleasant, Ralph found many ways to support the church’s ministries from behind the scenes. Over the years, he upgraded the lighting in the children’s wing, built tents for VBC, and spent countless hours supporting Jennifer’s crazy ideas and work with the church.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer (Jidov) Lane, their children Ella Lane, and Kent Lane. He also leaves behind his mother Christa (Barth) Lane, his sister, Monica (David Munoz) Lane, his uncle Roland (Patty Graver) Barth, and many friends and co-workers. He was preceded in death by his father Allan Lane and his Grandparents Raymond & Laura Lane and Franz & Emilie Barth.
Ralph’s generosity and humor will be missed by all who knew him, but he lives on in the hearts of his wife, children, family and friends. We take solace in the fact that he is in a better place and that he will be looking down on us as we continue our own journey through life.
Memorial services for Ralph will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street, Midland. Pastor Don Ferris-McCann will officiate. Family will receive friends for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Toni & Trish House of Auburn. The Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Directors are honored the Lane family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences to the family may be made at www.wswfh.com
Notification Published by Ware Smith Woolever FH - Midland
Please contact Ware Smith Woolever FH - Midland if you wish to report any errors in this notification, or if you would like any additional information.
Residence: Midland
Survived By:
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer (Jidov) Lane, their children Ella Lane, and Kent Lane. He also leaves behind his mother Christa (Barth) Lane, his sister, Monica (David Munoz) Lane, his uncle Roland (Patty Graver) Barth, and many friends and co-workers.
Funeral Home Information
Ware Smith Woolever FH - Midland
Address:
1200 W. Wheeler Street
Midland, MI 48640
Phone: 989-631-2292
Fax: 989-631-5811
Service Information
Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel
Address:
1200 West Wheeler Street
Midland, MI 48640
Date: November 18th, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM
Visitation Information
Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel
Visitation Times:
10 a.m. until the time of service.
Address:
1200 West Wheeler Street
Midland, MI 48640
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August 24th, 1957 - October 23rd, 2023
Age: 66 years
Ralph Allan Lane, 66, of Midland, died the morning of October 23, 2023, at his home with his loving family by his side. Son of Christa (Barth) Lane and the late Allan Lane, Ralph was born in Midland on August 24, 1957. Ralph’s Father was also a Journeyman Electrician and although Ralph spent most of his life in Midland, he and his family traveled for work opportunities. His favorite childhood memories were of family camping trips and fishing with his “Opa”.
Ralph graduated from Dow High School in 1975, and after graduation started an apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #892. Upon completion of his apprenticeship in 1977, Ralph became a third generation journeyman electrician. He completed work to become a Master Journeyman Electrician in 1990. There is hardly a street in the whole of Midland where Ralph hasn’t done some kind of electrical work. He executed electrical work on industrial sites, commercial buildings, and hundreds of residential homes. Ralph’s amazing work ethic, and determination to provide impeccable, safe, and fair-priced electrical service meant that even at the end of his life former customers were calling and requesting his electrical advice and services.
Ralph and Jennifer were married in 1991 in the Universalist Unitarian Church of Farmington. As a couple, they loved vacationing on the shore of Lake Michigan, and spent hours together playing word games. Ralph and Jennifer welcomed their beloved twin children, Ella and Kent in 2001. As the children grew, Ralph treasured watching every basketball and lacrosse game that Ella played, attending football games to see Ella in the marching band, enjoyed cheering on Kent’s robotics team, and was an active Boy Scout leader in Kent’s troop 763. Ralph proudly watched as Ella graduated from Heidelberg University last spring, and was excitedly anticipating her walk again next spring to receive her master’s degree. While Ralph was a very hard working man who dedicated many hours to his field, his greatest joys were those times spent with family and friends.
As a member of the First United Methodist church in Midland, Ralph was a dedicated volunteer for the LOGOS program, and many other ministries of the church. Even after transferring his membership to the First United Methodist church in Mt. Pleasant, Ralph found many ways to support the church’s ministries from behind the scenes. Over the years, he upgraded the lighting in the children’s wing, built tents for VBC, and spent countless hours supporting Jennifer’s crazy ideas and work with the church.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer (Jidov) Lane, their children Ella Lane, and Kent Lane. He also leaves behind his mother Christa (Barth) Lane, his sister, Monica (David Munoz) Lane, his uncle Roland (Patty Graver) Barth, and many friends and co-workers. He was preceded in death by his father Allan Lane and his Grandparents Raymond & Laura Lane and Franz & Emilie Barth.
Ralph’s generosity and humor will be missed by all who knew him, but he lives on in the hearts of his wife, children, family and friends. We take solace in the fact that he is in a better place and that he will be looking down on us as we continue our own journey through life.
Memorial services for Ralph will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street, Midland. Pastor Don Ferris-McCann will officiate. Family will receive friends for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Toni & Trish House of Auburn. The Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Directors are honored the Lane family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences to the family may be made at www.wswfh.com
Notification Published by Ware Smith Woolever FH - Midland
Please contact Ware Smith Woolever FH - Midland if you wish to report any errors in this notification, or if you would like any additional information.
Residence: Midland
Survived By:
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer (Jidov) Lane, their children Ella Lane, and Kent Lane. He also leaves behind his mother Christa (Barth) Lane, his sister, Monica (David Munoz) Lane, his uncle Roland (Patty Graver) Barth, and many friends and co-workers.
Funeral Home Information
Ware Smith Woolever FH - Midland
Address:
1200 W. Wheeler Street
Midland, MI 48640
Phone: 989-631-2292
Fax: 989-631-5811
Service Information
Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel
Address:
1200 West Wheeler Street
Midland, MI 48640
Date: November 18th, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM
Visitation Information
Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel
Visitation Times:
10 a.m. until the time of service.
Address:
1200 West Wheeler Street
Midland, MI 48640
Recent Obituaries
Mohr, Harold "Harry" J.
Birth: 8/24/1925 Death: 7/14/2025 Age: 99
Residence: Midland
Service Date: July 17th, 2025
Service Location: St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church
Beikert, Karen Ann
Birth: 8/16/1954 Death: 7/14/2025 Age: 70
Residence: Midland
Service Date: July 24th, 2025
Service Location: Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Chapel
Notification Broadcast By:
Coverage You Can Count On