Ralph E. Hutson, 79, Rockford, died at 2:24 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2010 as the result of an automobile accident. Born November 20, 1930 in Calico Rock, Ark, son of John F. and Effie E. (Smithee) Hutson. Graduated from Fisk, Missouri High School. Rockfod resident since 1949 coming here from Poplar Bluff, MO. Married Shirley K. Weens in Loves Park on January 30, 1975. Employed at Sundstrand Corp. for 20 years, retiring from Wal-Ern in 1996. He was employed at Wal-Ern for 32 years and continued working there part time for a number of years following retirement. He was a former chief steward for Local #592. Active member of the Cathedral of St. Peter and was a co-founder of the Remarried Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Rockford. He was formerly a volunteer firefighter for the North Park Fire Department for 10 years and had remained active with their retirees.
Survivors include his children, Ralph (Frances) Hutson, Greenwood Springs, MS, Dennis (Emily) Hutson, Morrison, Kathy (Gary) Welch, Rockford, Laura Bryant, Roscoe, Dawn (Bill) Cooper, Loves Park, Linda (Rob Corwin) Boan, Durand; step-children, Victoria Pooley, Bradenton, FL, Gregory (Carol) Johnson, Machesney Park and Cory (Sherry) Powers, Rockford. Also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as his sister, Ruth (Clifford) Palmer, Clinton, Ark and brother, William (Joni) Hutson, Rockford and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his wife Shirley, on May 28, 2009, parents, son Michael Hutson, brother, Roy Hutson and step-son, Barry Johnson.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2010 in the Cathedral of St. Peter withm the Very Rev. Kenneth Wasilewski officiatiang. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation from 5-8 p.m.on Friday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. with a Christian Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be given North Park Fire Department. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.
