Laurence E. Ralston

Laurence "Larry" E. Ralston of Roscoe, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on July 29, 2024. He was the great-great-grandson of Roscoe Township’s first permanent settler, Robert J. Cross. Born on January 20, 1926 to Kenneth M. and Evelyn (Belden) Ralston, he married the love of his life, Hazel Lundgren, on June 28, 1947 and began their life together at their current home. Larry and Hazel recently celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with daughters: Teresa Williams (Douglas McLaren), Cindy (Paul) Dennis, Diana Saverino, Marla (Doug) Price, and special son, Butch Harris. Larry’s grandchildren were special to him: Shelly (Bud) Turner, Matthew McLaren, Marissa (David) Rieder, Fred Dennis, Sarah (James) Wright, Michael (Shonna) Saverino, Nathan (Bethany) Price, Marcus (Kristin) Price. Larry was proud of his great-grandchildren: Drake, Drew, Connor, Hannah, Brennan, Regan, Abigail, Delaney; David, Amanda, Cassandra, Melody, JJ, Arthur, Harvey, Lincoln, Walter, Nora, Daisy, Austin; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Larry is also survived by brothers: Harold, Duane (Deanna); and dear sister: Mary Jane Alexander; as well as many nieces and nephews. Larry and Hazel brought numerous foreign exchange students into the family from around the globe and enjoyed traveling to visit them through the years. Larry is predeceased by his parents; brothers, Russell and David; special daughter, Kay Harris; son-in-law, Mike Saverino; and great-granddaughter, Olivia.

Larry’s career included serving as Winnebago County Board Chairman and working for the Illinois Department of Revenue, but his lifelong love was farming on the Centennial Family Farm. He raised crops, cattle, and later loved raising a large flock of sheep and showing prized registered Suffolk Sheep. He and Hazel took a part of the sheep farm to develop Shepherd Hills subdivision. During his life, he was a member of the Farm Bureau, Harlemites, First Evangelical Free Church, as well as local, state, and national Case tractor clubs. He was an antique tractor collector, at one time having 16 tractors and numerous pieces of equipment.

Larry was a proud graduate of Harlem High School, class of 1942. Although he couldn’t carry a tune, Larry loved music and loved to sing. He enjoyed playing the banjo and harmonica. He and Hazel had many travel adventures and for years spent winters at South Padre Island where they made special friendships. In 2009 Larry, Hazel, and the family expanded their gardens and opened The Little Red Shed on their homesite to sell their produce. He absolutely loved visiting with customer-friends, especially sharing his gardening expertise and exchanging stories. He was extremely proud of the delicious sweet corn he raised; locals raved about it as being the best around, even sending it across the country!

The family wishes to thank the OSF Palliative Care and Hospice teams for their loving care, specifically Amy, Lydia, Mikaya, Melissa, Allison, and Alvin. We couldn’t have navigated these days without their support.

We will celebrate the life of Laurence on Friday, August 16, 2024 at the Roscoe Township Community Center at Founders Park, 4562 Hononegah Road, Roscoe, Illinois 61073.  Visitation will be from 2:30-3:30pm with the Service to follow at 3:30pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District, Roscoe Township Historical Society, or your favorite charity.

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