Ralph L. Buterbaugh

Ralph L. Buterbaugh, 89, died July 1 after a brief illness. Born in Wilkinsburg, Pa., Ralph grew up in New Philadelphia, where he attended New Philadelphia High School. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology from Kent State University. He married Beverly (Owens) in 1961 and moved to Wooster, working as a psychologist at Apple Creek State Institute. He later worked with prisoners at the Mansfield Reformatory, as a clinical psychologist in New Philadelphia and later, as a clinical psychologist at the Child and Adolescent Service Center in Canton. Ralph worked with many troubled children, a great number of whom came to him through the criminal justice system. He cared deeply for them and was dedicated to ensuring they had access to the services they needed. Ralph was a quiet introvert, but had a goofy sense of humor and was quick with a joke. He was kind, thoughtful and an ever-present source of love and support to his children. He tended a beautiful backyard garden and made a mean French toast. At St. Joseph Senior Living, he was known for strolling the hallways and using his encyclopedic knowledge to win at trivia. Ralph is survived by his daughter, Laura (Craig) Gordon of Bethesda, Md.; his granddaughter, Annabelle Gordon; and his grandson, Jamison Gordon. He is pre-deceased by his wife, Beverly, and his son, David. Service are private. Donations in his memory may be made to St. Joseph Senior Living in Louisville.