WICHITA — Ralph Ellsworth Butler, Jr. 82, passed away in the presence of family on Wednesday, June 19, 2013.
Ralph was born in Norton on Dec. 25, 1930. He was raised in Leavenworth, Kansas and attended Benedictine College for two years. He served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.  After discharge, Ralph attended the University of Kansas school of journalism.
Following graduation, Ralph worked as a disc jockey at KVGB in Great Bend. He married Janelda (Jada) Kaiser in 1958 and they moved to Kansas City for Ralph to pursue a career in advertising. Ralph returned to radio, working in Salina at KSLI and Wichita at KLEO. He retired from media sales at KSN in 1998.  
Ralph was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi parish and sang in the men’s choir for many years. He volunteered in the community including service to Saint Anthony’s Shelter. Ralph will be remembered for his broad smile, charm, wit, vitality and genuine interest in others.
Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Jada, and their children, Tim (Sue) Butler, Portland, Ore.; Julie (Steve) Dixon, Wichita; and Chris (Sonja) Butler, Overland Park; five grandchildren, Elizabeth and Ben Dixon, Wichita; and Grant, Payton and Charlie Butler, Overland Park.  Ralph is also survived by his sister, Margaret Shupe, Vancouver, Wash.; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Ralph was predeceased by his daughter, Joan, and his sisters, Pricilla Click and Eloise Barton.
A Rosary is scheduled at 7 p.m. Friday and the Funeral is scheduled at 11 a.m. Saturday, both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Wichita.
Memorials may be directed to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School or the University of Kansas Foundation Joan Butler Memorial Fund in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Online tributes via www.dlwichita.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Downing & Lahey Mortuary #
6555 E. Central
Wichita, KS, 67206
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 21, 2013