Ralph P. Zeigler, age 85, of Churubusco, IN passed away peacefully in his barn on the Zeigler family farm at 12:48 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2011. Born on April 25, 1926 in Smith Township, Whitley County, he was the son of Jessie and Lillie F. (Prough) Zeigler.

A lifetime resident of Whitley County he graduated from Churubusco High School with the Class of 1945. On October 5, 1946 he married V. Dolores Nicodemus at First Church of God, Columbia City. A general farmer, he worked at Newhouser Hatchery, Fort Wayne and Farm Bureau Co-Op, delivering fuel oil for 17 years. His memberships include Collins United Methodist Church, Farm Bureau for 60 years, Whitley County 4-H and he was a founding member of the 4 County Pony Pulling Association. His passions in life were his family, antique tractors and ponies.

Survivors include his loving, patient and devoted wife of 65 years, V. Dolores Zeigler of Churubusco; 5 sons, Mike (Charlene) and Danny (Marcia) Zeigler both of Churubusco, Dale (Joni) and Norm (Cathy) Zeigler both of Fort Wayne, Randall (Mary) Zeigler of Albion; 17 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 4 sisters and 1 brother, Betty Crabill of Columbia City, Martha Wappes of Powell, OH, Joy Follis of Fort Wayne, Allen (Jeannie) Zeigler of Churubusco and Barbara Nicodemus of Columbia City. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Ben, John, Lee, Marshall, Clarence, Jay and Don Zeigler and sisters, May Wappes and Gearldine Growcock.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011 from 2-8:00 p.m. and on Monday after 9 a.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 17, 2011 at the funeral home with Grandson Pastor Andy Overly and Pastor Larry Schmoekel officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in Ralph's memory to Collins United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.