Marsha, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.

I learned of Ralph's passing last Friday at work. I was simply stunned. I was in a fog all day and have thought about him ever since. I just couldn't believe this had happened. I grew to know Raplh over the years as a patient where I work, as I always took care of his lab work. He was always so friendly and jovial. He just brighted the day whenever he was there. Ralph used to tell me a story every now and then, and I always enjoyed them, and when I came home I'd tell my husband about Ralph and his stories because they were so funny and interesting. Little do we know one day, or moment from the next when we'll lose someone special. It's such a shame everyone had to lose Ralph. The last time I saw Ralph, my husband and I were in Pittsboro at Frank and Mary's. I heard this voice from afar and caught sight of him walking in the door. He was talking up a storm to a complete stranger saying, "I haven't been in here forever!" Off to the other room he took. I told my husband, "There goes that Ralph Brooks to the front. He's up there talking up a storm to people he doesn't even know, and enjoying every minute of it." I had to giggle. When someone like Ralph leaves us, he takes a part of us with him. I have enjoyed reading things people wrote about Ralph here. It seems I missed the gas station story. I bet it was a good one. Ralph was so very proud of his wife and daughter. He boasted about his wife's talents. He was so supportive of her at the bakery. My heartfelt thoughts are with his wife, daughter and family. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I have been so blessed to know Ralph through the years and learn a little bit about his life and hear his stories. Patients like him are so few, but people like Ralph are so rare. I just have a feeling Ralph is making Heaven just a little brighter just by being there.

Ralph is the reason I still have a job at UPS, we had great times, many laughs and never a dull moment when he was around. Ralph will be missed. Thoughts and Prayers to your family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Brooks family in this time of loss. Although we didn't keep in touch these past years, we were always proud to call Ralph "friend". God Bless.

Even though we had only met twice at Jeff and Beths house in Missouri, I could see the love you had for your family. The great stories that Jeff told us about you made us laugh and it clearly showed the strength and desire you had for all you did. You will be missed by all. You and your family are In our prayers. God Bless you.

I was a newly promoted manager to the 16th street building and I knew no one. He presented himself one morning, right at start time. He made no introduction, and promptly demanded I supply him an employees check. I did not know who this man was, and he struck me as rude and arrogant. Fireworks exploded, and he stomped off. Within minutes I was called to my managers office, and it was explained to me "WHO" Ralph Brooks was, and it might be a good idea for me to apologize. Ralph continued to stomp past my office without so much as a glance, and I offered no apology. After a month or so, he stopped one morning, after the drivers were gone, knocked on the door, opened it and gruffed out "coffee"? We glared at one another. I replied "only if you are buying". Ralph replied "Oh, I wouldn't have it any other way", with a hint of sarcasm. I had that cup of coffee, and many many more over the next few years with Ralph. We developed a strong working relationship...but more importantly a strong friendship. We fought, we laughed, and cried together during my time in Indiana, as well as beyond. It is not the fights or the tears that I will miss....but his laughter. Nobody I know, can tell a joke like Ralph could. I can still hear him laughing. It was truly an honor to know this man. Rest in peace Ralph, and I thank you one last time for all you did for me.

MAY ALL YOUR WONDERFUL MEMORIES SUSTAIN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY GOD COVER YOU WITH HIS GRACE AND MERCY. MY HEART SANK WHEN I HEARD OF RALPH'S PASSING. SAYING PRAYERS FOR YOU.

Marsha, Where do I begin?I've only known you & "Brooksie" for two or three years.In those short years,you & "Brooksie" have become pretty close to me.Especially,when my Mom died in May,2010.You both told me I could call or talk to you anytime.So,in return as your dear friend,I'm telling you the same.Anytime! "Brooksie" & I had some things in common that probably not all of his friends had.I know you know what I mean.He & I talked about them at great legnth.I know about the hard life he had & how supportive you were to him. He bragged about you many times.You were his best friend,supporter,partner in life,& most importantly wife.I know also,how important dear Leslie & the rest of his family & friends were. Ralph was one of those guys who didn't know a stranger and if he didn't, it woulldn't take him long to get to know them. He was also the "life of the party",which I loved & I also loved all of his jokes. He will be forever missed by me.I loved him very much & I think you know how important he was to me & all of his friends.I already know how important he was to his family and how important they were to him. Sorry,this was so long,but I had to tell you how important you & "Brooksie" were to me. I love you very much & hope you will find peace & comfort in this time of sorrow.Call anytime! Your & "Brooksie's" dear friend, Charlie

Ralph was in the top ten of my most loved, memorable friends. As is Marsha. Ralph was the kind of man that could mingle with the old, the young, handicapped, the butcher, the baker, the driver, the poliitician, clergy, the officials, the presidents, any nationality, and conduct himself in any setting as a real gentleman or a real clown. He was loved and admired by far more people than he realized. I've never known a man that loved and admired his wife, Marsha, as much as he did. He often bragged of her cooking and other accomplishments. He was truly "one of a kind." My sincere sympathy to Marsha, Beth, Jeff and Leslie. Karaoke will never be the same without him.

Brooks Family - my condolences on your loss. I had the good fortune of working with Ralph during his time as a business agent. Ralph was a terrific person to deal with - he conducted business the old fashion way, with honesty and integrity. Since he retired we still share many of the jokes Ralph told us over the years. One thing was for sure, when you were in Ralph's prescence you were in for a laugh. May his soul rest in peace.

My Dearest Marsha and Family, My heart aches for your loss. A dear sweet man with a big heart gone from us way too soon. I haven't known you and Ralph for a long time, but you made me feel close right away. I have appreciated your friendship so much. It was not karaoke until you and Ralph arrived; never a dull moment, always kept us laughing. I'll never forget the gas station story. May your precious memories of Ralph sustain you at this very difficult time. I am here if you need me. I love you. Janet

Ralph was a good friend and a unique individual. We served for many years on the Farley Neighborhood Board together. He and Marsha were great friends with my In-Laws and soon became good friends of ours. Just today, I was driving in the hills of Kentucky returning from a trip for work and had to laugh because of a conversation I had with him years ago. There are so many memories I have of Ralph. He was so funny;and had a special way about him of making everyone feel special and appreciated. What a great sense of humor he had and I'm sure still has. I will miss him greatly but I know I will see him again in glory.

Dearest Marsha, Beth, & Leslie...Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Let us know if you need anything. Love you!

Sorry to hear about Ralph's passing. I worked with him 17yrs, and he always made me laugh. He was one of the good guys. Heaven has a great humorous angel. I will never forget your stories Ralph, you made my time working at the Hall a great one, hasn't been the same.

Marsha and Beth - I am so sorry to hear about Ralph's passing and truly sorry for your loss. Although I haven't seen you in many years I have some fond memories of your family, and Mom keeps me updated. Janet Irwin

I don't have a story but just a few remarks about a man that we remember as someone who was always friendly and ready with a smile and story or something to make you feel at home. He was a great uncle to our grandchildren, and I know they remember him taking them to the park to feed the ducks. I always thought that was great that he would take the time to entertain them. Although we haven't seen him much in the last years, it always brings a smile to our faces when we think of him. He will be missed by all of us.

My prayers go out for the Brooks family during this time of grief. Continue to celebrate Ralph's life as your memory recalls him during those quite moments of reflection. With Deepest Sympathy, Robert Merriweather (UPS)

Aunt Marsha, Beth, Jeff & Leslie- How deeply sorrowful I am that we have lost the everyday ability to listen to his voice and to feel his love. It does not seem real. Heroes do not pass. Uncle Ralph will always be in the Super Heroes Hall of Fame. He had the power to make you feel loved, knowing that you were indeed someone he truly cared about. He gave you his utmost attention and you were all that mattered to him at that very moment. He will always be remembered for the laughter he would bring into any room, for being the reason the smiles grew on everyone’s face and for the joy he brought into every situation. Uncle Ralph, you were a hero to all of us. I love all of you!

Brooks family, I have known Ralph for over 50 years and we were always friends and had many enjoyable conversations over the year in the UPS lunchroom. I hated it when Ralph left to work for the union. I had not seen Ralph for years and a couple of years ago he came to play golf with us retirees. I had so much fun talking to Ralph about the good old days we had at UPS. Ralph was always uplifting and always made you feel good. I will miss him. God Bless

Uncle Ralph, Auntie Marshie, and Beth are an important part of my childhood memories...warmest memories. Our family will never be the same. Auntie, you are dear to me; please know that you in my thoughts and prayers throughout the day and when I awake in the night. I love you.