Ralph E. Barger, 71, General Motors Retiree

Born February 15, 1931 in Gauley Mills, West Virginia. He was a resident of Cleveland for 20 years prior to moving to Lorain 30 years ago.

He was employed by General Motors, Elyria for 23 years, retiring in 1987. Mr. Barger was a member of Christ United Methodist in Lorain. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and was a member of Amherst Stonington Lodge #503; the Scottish Rite; the Royal Arch Masons in Cleveland; and the Stone City Chapter of the Eastern Star. He was a past ;master of the Blue Lodge and a past patron of the Eastern Star.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Carol (nee Martin) Barger; his sons, Jerry, Richard and James Barger, all of Lorain; his daughter Sandra Rosch of Broadview Heights; nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren; a brother Ross Barger of Bath, Maine; and a sister Jo Ann Newell of Brooklyn, Ohio.

Friends may call Wednesday, April 24, 2002 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst where a Masonic Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 25, at 11:00 a.m. from the funeral home. The Rev. John Gross, pastor of Christ United Methodist Church, Lorain will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church; 3015 Meister Road, Lorain, OH 44053.