Ralph E. Fuller

Ralph Fuller, 90 of Cottonwood and formerly of Pine died December 27. He was born in Provo, Utah August 18, 1912, the youngest son of Frank C. and Ida (Passey) Fuller. At age 9, he moved with his parents to Pine. At the time Pine was in a very isolated part of the state, so his family was required to be self sufficient with farm animals, raising crops and many daily chores, which he helped with as a boy. He also helped with a family business known as The Mulberry Inn which took in travelers who journeyed through the area. As a young man he had six months service in the Civil Conservation Corp working on projects in the mountains near Globe. He was called to serve on a mission for the L.D.S. Church in the Northwestern states from 1934 to 1936. He was married to Velma Merrill of Mesa in January 1937 in the Mesa Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Two children were born to Ralph and Velma, Marilyn in 1938 and Robert in 1943. Ralph worked as a mechanic/welder at the Inspiration Copper Smelter in Globe during World War II producing copper for the war effort. In 1945 Ralph\u0027s father asked him to return to Pine to help with the family business and property. He opened a service station and auto repair shop which provided a much needed function in the community. Ralp was a very active member of the community serving on various boards and acting as the water operator for the town water system for nearly 40 years. He was active in various positions including ward clerk and scout master. Ralph retired from his service station work in 1982 and moved with Velma to Cottonwood buying a house right next to his son Robert and family. He enjoyed visiting family and friends throughout his life and gave service to anyone whom he knew. Losing his eyesight to glaucoma in 1997, he spent the last five years in the care of family members prior to his passing. He is survived by a daughter, Marilyn George of Phoenix and Robert A. Fuller of Cottonwood; seven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2 in the Westcott Funeral Home from 6-8 PM. A funeral will be held in the Pine Cemetery on Saturday, January 4.