Ralph L. Garrison

Ralph Lincoln Garrison, 73, Burlingame, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2009 at the Newton Medical Center.
Ralph was born February 12, 1936 in Lycan, Colorado, the son of Ralph Rose and Mary Gladys (Young) Garrison. He grew up in Colorado and Missouri. He graduated from Washburn University with a degree in Business Administration.
He was an active member of the U.S. Air Force for 8 years and then served with the 184th Air National Guard in Wichita and the 190th Air Refueling Group at Forbes Field, Topeka, retiring after 25 years of service.
He served as Administrator of Santa Fe Memorial Hospital in Topeka and then as a Nursing home administrator in various institutions across the state of Kansas. He enjoyed farming, reading, motorcycles, snow skiing, traveling and was an avid animal lover.
Ralph married Betty Harwell. They later divorced. He married Janet Sue Custenborder on July 3, 1987 in Wichita. She survives. Other survivors include step-children, Mark Rice, Harveyville, Christina Patty and husband John, Wichita, Daniel Rice, Topeka, Derrick Rice, Harveyville, Terese Rice, Topeka, Marla Smith and husband, Chris, Topeka; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sisters, Florence Blakey, Springfield, MO, Vivian Zanini, California; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Warren Garrison; and sister, Phyllis Garrison.
Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. Inurnment will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery.