Age 83 of Portsmouth passed away Thursday October 15, 2015 at SOMC Hospice Center. He was born October 30, 1931 in Lucasville, a son of the late Ora and Violet Blanton Slark. He was a former U.S. Air Force Veteran, a manager with Clare Cleaners, and a former boxer. He was a member of First Church of Christ in Wheelersburg, Lucasville Masonic Lodge # 465, and loved exercising.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Martha Maple Slark, whom he married on January 15, 1975; a son, Ralph Slark of New Boston; three daughters, Debra Travis of Portsmouth, Beverly Slark of New Boston, and Mary Rister of Portsmouth; one sister, Ruth Rigsby of Springfield; a brother, Ora Slark of Georgetown, MD; 4 grandchildren, Aaron Elliott, Chad Elliott, Kristina Rister and Adam Rister; 10 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Fred Slark; a sister, Marie Buffington; and a grandson, Jeremy Elliott.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 19, 2015 at D.W. SWICK-NELSON FUNERAL HOME in New Boston with Pastor Rase Martin officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Sunday 5 to 7 p.m. with a Masonic Service to be held at 7 p.m. and Monday 10 to 11 a.m at D.W. Swick-Nelson in New Boston. Online condolences may be left at www.dwswicknelsonfuneralhome.com.  D.W. Swick-Nelson Funeral Home in New Boston is handling the arrangements.