Rev. Ralph Orlin Dershem

Rev. Ralph Orlin Dershem, 87, of Bartlesville went home to his Eternal Father on Saturday, March 28, 2015. Ralph was born the son of Marvin Ray and Elsie (Layman) Dershem on July 17, 1927, in Piqua, KS. He was raised in rural Kansas and Colorado, and graduated high school in Grand Junction, CO. Ralph enlisted in the Air Force and served at the end of World War II. Upon his honorable discharge he was employed with Phillips Petroleum Company for six years before entering the ministry. Ralph’s mother taught guitar and music lessons and that is how he first became acquainted with Mary Lou who was one of Mrs. Dershem’s music students. Ralph was united in marriage with Mary Lou “Cookie” on August 23, 1947, in Dewey. They were blessed with two girls and three boys, and 68 years together. Ralph attended Oklahoma Baptist University while he pastored his first churches which included New Harmony, Ramona First Baptist, Muskogee SE Baptist, Virginia Ave Baptist, and NE Baptist in Ponca City. Once retired, he was called back to the ministry in Wann, Nowata and planted Rose Hill Community Baptist Church in Dewey. Ralph loved God and spent his life living for his Lord and Savior. He was attentive to the needs of the flock and put forth special effort in marrying and burying them as they needed him. He loved the country life which he became acquainted with through his father who worked with cattle and on dairy farms. Ralph was a gifted woodworker and he especially enjoyed making children’s toys out of wood. His other hobbies included reading, crossword puzzles, writing and golf. He was a loving, doting grandfather who loved to teach and spend time with all of his grandchildren. He touched the lives and hearts of many and he will be dearly missed by his loved ones and church families. Ralph is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou “Cookie” of the home; five children, Linda Dershem of Prescott, AZ, Michael Dershem and Marcia of Bartlesville, Jack Dershem and Renee of Ponca City, Melodye Lawhon and Steve of Florence, SC, and Jeremy Dershem and Kathleen of McKinney, TX; two brothers Marvin Dershem and Dorothy, and Brian Dershem and Mildred, all of Grand Junction; 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents. Ralph’s family will receive friends at the Davis Family Funeral Home, 918-534-3030, 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey, on Tuesday, from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to the Highland Park Baptist Church Youth, 300 SE Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, Ok 74006. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at Highland Park Baptist Church, with Dr. Don Coleman officiating. Interment will follow in the Dewey Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the James H. Teel American Legion Post 105 Honor Guard. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with Rev. Dershem’s family at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Rev. Ralph Orlin Dershem

July 17, 1927 - March 28, 2015