11/05/2019
Rodman R. Ralston, 82, of Bloomsburg passed away Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at home. He was born July 11, 1937, in Stroudsburg, a son of the late Roy Rodman and Arlene (Kimball) Ralston. He graduated from Bloomsburg High School’s Class of 1955 and Bloomsburg State Teachers College with a Bachelor of Science degree in business education. Rodman worked at Magee Carpet Company as a cost/budget accountant for over 40 years, the last 31 as the Department Manager. He was currently the Columbia County Auditor. He was a member of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomsburg, where he served as a treasurer for 17 years. Rod served as a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop No. 28, Espy, for 20 years. He received Scouting’s Silver Beaver Award in 1972. He was a member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks since 1972, and Bloomsburg Lodge No. 436. He served as State President from 2003 until 2004. Rod was a member of Washington Lodge No. 265, Free and Accepted Masons for 55 years, currently serving as its secretary. Rod served the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau as a member of the Board of Directors since July 2005, where he was the treasurer since 2006 and retired in 2011. He currently served as an elected auditor for Columbia County, serving as Chairman of the Auditors for South Centre Township in Columbia County. Rod served on the Bloomsburg Fair board, where he served as secretary for 31 years and retired in 2015. He also served on the state fair board of directors of the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs representing Zone II and served as the chairman. Rod is survived by three daughters: Lisa Bukow and husband Paul of Whitman, Mass., Karen Ralston of Attleboro, Mass., Mindy Tomchik and husband Jayme of Virginia Beach, Va.; five grandchildren: Jordan Tomchik, Hayley Bukow, Mikaela Bukow, Jacob Bukow, Abbey Tomchik; companion Betty Swartz; niece Morgan Bessler; two nephews: Jeffrey Ralston, Bradley Ralston; and four great-nephews. Rod was preceded in death by his wife, the former Yvonne L. Leiby, who passed away Feb. 9, 1994; and brother, John T. Ralston. Services will be Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, at 2 p.m. at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 101 E. Main St., Bloomsburg, with his pastor, the Rev. James B. Robertson, officiating. Burial will follow at New Rosemont Cemetery. Family will receive friends Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the James L. Hinckley Jr. Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 1024 Market St., Berwick, with Masonic Services by Lodge No. 265 at 7:30 and Elks Memorial Services at 7:45. Family and friends may send online condolences to jameslhinckleyjrfuneralhome.com. The James L. Hinckley Jr. Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Berwick, is handling arrangements.
Ruth
