Ralph Willard Welch, Sr., 87, of Nova died Monday, August 25, 2008 at Samaritan Regional Health Systems in Ashland. Born to the late Thomas and Pearl (Freeland) Welch on April 12, 1921 in Albright, WV, Ralph lived in West Virginia until 1957 when he moved to Ohio. He was a 1939 graduate of Kingwood High School and he earned a Bachelor's Degree from West Virginia University in 1943. Ralph was a vocational teacher who specialized in agriculture and shop for 33 years and was a life member of the Ohio Education Association. He taught at Fellowsville High School in WV and at Ruggles Troy High School. He was a 50 year member of both the Sullivan F&AM #313 Masonic Lodge and the Nova Lions Club, where he served as secretary for over 30 years. Ralph was an active member of the Nova Community United Methodist Church and served as both a trustee and a steward. Woodworking was a hobby of his. He also enjoyed gardening and being the neighborhood fix-it man. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Amanda; three children, Willard (Patricia) Welch of Nova, Daniel (Marcia) Welch of Winterhaven, FL and Ivan (Susan) Welch of Canton; 6 grandchildren, Brian, Monte and Damon Welch, Korin Rowell, Katie Swartzel and Mandy Anderson, and 11 great grandchildren. Ralph was preceded in death by a brother, Lynn Welch and three sisters, Mary Todd, Ruby Jane Welch and Martha Wharton. Friends and family will be received from 4 ' 8:15 p.m., with a Masonic service held at 8:15 p.m., on Friday, August 29 at the Nova Community United Methodist Fellowship Hall, 257 State Route 511, Nova, OH 44859. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church with Brother Harry Finkbone officiating. Burial will follow at Nova Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ralph can be made to the Nova Community UMC, the Masonic Temple Sullivan Roofing Project, 915 Twp Rd 150, Nova, OH 44859 or to the Mapleton FFA Alumni, 635 County Rd. 801, Ashland, OH 44805.