Thompson Funeral ChapelRalph Sweeden
With a heavy heart, Ralph Sweeden passed on Saturday, July 23, 2022. He had a personal relationship with Christ who gave him comfort and grace throughout his life. He lived 78 years before passing through the valley of death to meet his eternal God where there is no such thing as broken and everything is new. The only scars in heaven are the ones who is holding him now. He was a longtime member of Christ Presbyterian Church serving where he could.
Ralph was proud to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era at only 17 years old with his parents approval. He was very active who enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, golfing, dancing, and was an avid bicyclist peddling thousands of miles on his bicycles. He also rode MS 150 for years raising money to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. He was well liked in his community and made friends where ever he went.
Ralph loved his family and looked forward to the large family gatherings at Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, and just visiting and being near his children and grandchildren. Ralph was a big fan of the oldies but goodies television shows. He watched repeats of Gunsmoke, Andy Griffith, Big Valley, High Chaparral, The Waltons, and enjoyed Sunday Morning program.
Ralph leaves behind his wife of over 36 years, Susan Sweeden, his 6 children – Brett Sweeden, Christy Coyle, Rhonda Sweeden, Audrey Sweeden, Becky Staley (Matt), and Sean Trigg. He leaves behind 10 adult grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren ages from birth to 12 years old. He was a proud father and grandfather who was blessed to have such a beautiful family. Ralph was cherished and will forever live in our hearts. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him.
Ralph’s Legacy
Faith, Family, Friend
A visitation will be held at 6pm, Wednesday, August 3 at Thompson Funeral Chapel. Burial will take place on August 4, 2022 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona at 10:30am. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12PM at Christ Presbyterian Church.
We are so very sorry to hear that Ralph has passed away. Your family is in our prayers. Blessings,
John and Marilyn (Tripp) McNeill
Dear Susan,
We were so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing.
May he Rest In Peace. His memory eternal.
Joy and John Geraty
Susan, Please accept my condolences on behalf of the Peoria Police Department. Ralph lived a fulfilled life, influencing many people in a positive way.
Chief Art Miller
I was not privileged with meeting Ralph, however his service to our country will be honored for eternity.
May the family find comfort in him looking down with pride on the children and grandchildren, two of which I am honored to know.
Joe Scholz
I am so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was an amazing person and I am blessed to have known him for the little time that I did. It is said that a man’s legacy is in the ones that he leaves behind. Ralph has left a great legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
My Deepest & Heartfelt Sympathies to the Sweeden Family. I knew Ralph for over 30 years working for the same company & played golf on weekends & sometimes after work. I considered our friendship as the best that anyone could have. He will be missed but the fond memories will continue for life. May you enjoy the eternal life & until we meet again.
It was a great honor, and blessing, to meet a great deal of this mans family! A True patriot, who had to have the permission of his parents, to sign on at 17, to fight in the Vietnam War, at the same time, many were trying to flee from fighting!