Herman ‘Tuffy’ Ralls

Herman “Tuffy” Ralls was born on March 17, 1933, in Chicago, the son of Richard Herman and Marie Tucker Ralls. He was their third child. 

He passed from this life on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, at the age of 88 years. 

Mr. Ralls was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (Wilson) Ralls, who passed away on the 31st of January, 2016. They were married for 62 years. 

His youngest daughter, Angela Ralls, passed away on March 10, 2018. 

Also preceding him in death were his parents; his oldest brother, Louie Ralls; and his older sister, Ethel Ralls Hasfield. 

He is survived by his oldest daughter, Rhonda Ralls Boyd and his middle daughter, Lisa (Mike) O’Neal. 

He is survived by five grandchildren, Marc (Amy) Sheffer, Nikki (Jason) Landers, Terra (Kip) Lyerla, Lindsey (Mitchell) Kennard and Brett (Amanda) Huckstep; great-grandchildren Aaron Sheffer, Brooke Sheffer, Shea Landers, Reid Landers, Gracey Lyerla, Lauren Lyerla, Mason Lyerla, Easton Lyerla, Jace Huckstep, Jack Huckstep, Kohlton Deitrich, Ava Huckstep and Katie Huckstep. 

He is survived by his siblings, Carol Ralls, Suetta Burris, Richard Ralls, Harold Ralls, James Ralls, Elizabeth Ramage, Charles Ralls, Melvin Ralls, Joe Ralls, Mike Ralls, Barbara Sullivan and Linda Eudy.

Most people knew Herman by his nickname Tuffy. He was a hard worker from a young age. As a child he worked in their garden and milked the cows. As a young man he worked pumping gas, he worked at the ice plant in Anna, he worked at the Anna Quarry, he worked at the Anna Fire Department and then began his final career as an ironworker, from which he retired. He had a tremendous work ethic and was an honest man. 

He enjoyed sports. In his younger years he was a pitcher on a fast pitch softball team. He was an avid fisherman. He and Shirley spent many days and nights fishing. He also liked to hunt rabbits and squirrels. He enjoyed playing cards. 

Many would have seen him watching his grandkids and great-grandkids playing sports. He was one of their biggest fans.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, March 13, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  at The Blue Boar Hall, 820 Kratzinger Hollow Rd., Cobden.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request those attending to bring a copy of a photo of Tuffy and a written memory to share with others and for a memory book.

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.