Ralph D. Wood age 86, of Ithaca, passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at Laurels of Fulton with his family by his side.

Ralph was born August 23, 1923 to Keith and Ethel (Peabody) Martin in Sheridan. Ralph’s mother passed away when he was 23 days old. He was adopted by his Aunt and Uncle Ira and Esther Wood. He was raised in the farmhouse where he currently lived. Ralph married Phyllis I. Duflo August 23, 1947. He was a farmer and worked winters for Beebe Furniture Company for Bob Brown, Ron Gruesbeck, and Ted Rayburn.

Ralph was in the Army from 1943 to 1945. He was wounded in combat in Normandy. He was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a life member of the VFW Post #7805.

Ralph and Phyllis enjoyed going to Drummond Island to stay at Humm’s cabins to fish.

Ralph is survived by his children Kathryn (Thomas) McDonald and Kendall (Diane Davis) Wood of Ithaca. Grandchildren Kenton (Angie Betchler) Wood of Ithaca, Eric (Kathryn) Wood of Brighton, Jillane (Christopher) Sandro of Alma, Adam (Heather) Wood of Ithaca, Matthew McDonald of Ithaca. Great grandchildren Korbin and Avery Wood, Alysa Betchler and Brendan Timmer of Ithaca, Carter and Allison Sandro of Alma. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

His wife Phyllis, parents, and siblings Dorothy Allen, Donna Kolar, JB Martin, LeRoy Martin, Willamina Smith, and Elizabeth Martin preceded Ralph in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post #7805 Ithaca, Michigan.