Ralph C. Heater

Ralph C. Heater, 69, of Watsontown, died Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Born November 3, 1954 in Lewistown, he was a son of the late Ralph S. and Carrie M. (Seidel) Heater.  On June 3, 1978 he married the former Debra L. Sampsell, who survives.  Together they celebrated nearly 46 years of marriage.

Ralph was a 1974 graduate of Warrior Run High School.  He owned and operated Heater’s Garage in Watsontown for over 40 years.

Ralph was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran (Delaware Run) Church where he served on the council and cemetery association, previously being president of both.

He was a member of the Watsontown Lions Club and earned the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for outstanding service to his community.  Ralph also served on the Watsontown Memorial Community Center (youth center) board.   He was an auditor for Delaware Township for over 30 years and served as an advisor to the automotive program for the Lycoming Career and Technology Center.

In his free time, Ralph enjoyed deer hunting, spending time at his cabin and camping.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two children, Michael W. Heater and Miranda E. Bailey and her husband, Jey, all of Watsontown; two brothers, Jay R. Heater and his companion, Francine Bishop, of Watsontown, and Gary L. and Gina Heater, of Allenwood; one brother-in-law, Wayne Dentler, of Watsontown; two grandchildren, Gavin and Colton Bailey; and a niece and numerous nephews, with one nephew special to him, Gary A. Heater.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one sister, Linda Dentler.

Friends are invited from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 31 at St. John’s Lutheran (Delaware Run) Church, 6590 Musser Lane, Watsontown where a brief Lions Club service will be held at 5 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1 at the church with pastor Donald Snyder, officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

If so desired, contributions in Ralph’s memory may be made to either St. John’s Lutheran Church, or to the Watsontown Memorial Community Center, with checks mailed to 317 Main St. Watsontown, PA 17777.

The family is being assisted by Grenoble Funeral Home & Crematory, 308 Main St. Watsontown.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grenoblefuneralhome.com.