Ralph W. Hight

Ralph W. Hight, 87, died February 17, 2020, at Catholic Care Center, in Bel Aire, Kansas. He was born Sept. 14, 1932, in Columbus, Ohio, the second son of W. J. and Margaret G. (Linn) Hight. Ralph grew up in Columbus, graduating from Central High School in 1951. After serving two years in the Army he started classes at Ohio State University. He finished his business degree at Wichita State University. Following graduation, Ralph worked for the Travelers Insurance Company and then for First National Bank and Trust, now Intrust Bank, in Wichita. He met his future wife, Armida in 1956, when he came to Wichita to be in his friend’s wedding. As it happened, Armida was also a member of the wedding party. Ralph and Armida married July 20, 1957, in Wichita. To their union, three daughters were born. He was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Wichita. He served on the Finance Committee, Social Justice Committee and Vocations Committee. He was a member of Men’s Club and a sponsor for RCIA. He also served as an Usher, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and Greeter. Ralph was 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served in the Honor Guard. He was active in Serra Club. He also served on the Kansas Newman College, now Newman University, Board of Trustees. Ralph was involved with the Wichita River Festival since its inception in 1972. In 1985, he was humbled to be named Admiral Windwagon Smith XII, the official ambassador of the festival. Ralph was also an active member of the Y Men. He was a member of Rotary Club International and served one term as District Governor. With Rotary, he participated in charity mission work in Panama. Ralph never knew a stranger and could start up a conversation with anyone on just about any subject. He loved telling stories and singing fun, rhyming songs. He would make the songs up as he went along, always with a twinkle in his eye and ending with a ho-hum or a hee-hee, and of course, a flourish of laughter. His laugh was well-known and easily recognizable. (Can you hear it?) There were countless occasions when people, not knowing he was present, would hear his laugh and immediately know Ralph was in the room. His joy was contagious. A convert to the Catholic faith, Ralph, even in his last years, would say how thankful he was to be Catholic. His strong witness and example drew many to the church even when he lost the ability to orally express and share his faith. Ralph loved and valued his wife and family. Through their 62+ years of marriage, Ralph and Armida have been an inspirational example of love and commitment to their daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and beyond. This was especially evident as Armida lovingly cared for Ralph since January of 2010. Ralph is survived by his wife, Armida; daughters, Lisa (Rob), Becky (Wes), and Karen (Mark); grandchildren, Kyle (Lauren), Kevin (Kelsey), Brian (Michelle), RaeAnn (Taylor), Collin (Ashlynn), Hannah (Greg), Lauren (Joseph), Brett, Caitlin (Malcolm), Meghan (Matt), Brianna (Matt), Sam, and Weston; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Kacie, Aidrian, Kira, Bryton, Lukas, Avery, Bowen, Waylon, Rowan, Isaac, Henry, Laken, Melany, Lillian, with another arriving in June; sisters-in-law, Shirley Hight and Roselee Hight; brothers-in-law, Ray Romero (Jody) and Eli Romero, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Myron and Don, brother-in-law, Robert, and sister-in-law, Jeanette. Rosary will be Sunday, February 23, 2020, at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be Monday, February 24, 2020, at 10:00 AM; both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and Sunrise Rotary Club’s Ralph & Armida Hight High School Scholarship. Arrangements by Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.