Merry Denby Ralph

Merry Denby Ralph, faithful Christian, loving mother, sister and friend, passed away on January 8, 2021 at the age of 81. Merry was born August 17, 1939 in Fort Worth, Texas to Frank Hunter Denby and Will Marie Allen Denby. She attended Paschal High School and earned her degree in English Literature from Texas Christian University. She taught dance in Fort Worth for many years, later teaching English in a Houston private high school, and ultimately retired from a long career as a contract administrator with Hewlett-Packard. Merry also volunteered for several years in a reading program in the prison system.
Merry was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and sang in the church choir. She was a member of the Arlington Women’s Club, the Encore Club and enjoyed extensive travel and book reviews. Merry was an avid sports fan and had an amazing mind for the details and history of football, baseball, and basketball. She also appreciated saltwater fishing since her youth, spending time in Port O’Conner and Rockport over many years. Merry also enjoyed time with friends and classes at the YMCA.
One of her nieces described her so well – “She was always cheerful, dressed in fun, bright colors, and had a huge welcoming heart… a happy, wavering voice singing Christmas carols at Christmas, and giving all kinds of life advice at any family event”.
Merry is preceded in death by her parents, sister D’Anna Denby Soehnge, brother Daniel Ricketts, and brothers-in-law Richard Sprott and William E. Whitney, Jr.
Merry is survived by her son Richard James Ralph, daughter Lauren Ralph Lansford Berry (Bruce), grandsons James Robert Lansford and Alex Guyler Lansford, sisters June Denby Sprott, Lois Ricketts Ingram (Hugh), and Barbara Ricketts-Whitney, brother Blaine Ricketts (Bonnie), brother-in-law Walter Soehnge and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who brought her great joy. Merry also had the blessing to help raise Kairo Hannon and Zamir Hannon and always had tremendous pride in their strong family and success. 
A celebration of Merry’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's research.