Ralph Clarence Schlueter was born on October 22, 1929, to Emma (née Brossard) and Francis Schlueter. Growing up in a lively family of seven children (Frank, Ed, Elmer, Alma, Ralph, Paul and Ellie) in Bond Hill, he absorbed the importance of family, faith and always giving his best effort. Throughout his 95 years these have been constant factors that have served him well and blessed his family and those working, praying and playing alongside him.

Ralph's wife of 65 years, Jean Marie (nee Meisenhelder) Schlueter, died in April of 2020. Together they raised a family of 6 daughters: Jenny (Terry) Pansing, Mary (Bill) Lennard, Frances (James) Nees, Peggy (Shaun) Kirk, Cathy (Dave) Halstead and Trish (the late Larry) Rice. The house the Schlueter Brothers built on Bookmark became a home for passing along the values he had received from his parents. Sixteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren love and honor him in the many ways he taught and cared for them.

Over the course of his life Ralph inspired and encouraged many people. Teaching from junior high to college level, he gave students tools to think. His varied roles in the Secular Franciscans, a lay Franciscan organization, spanned decades. For 24 years, he organized and participated in the offering of the Eucharist to those in the hospital. He gave up his garage parking space to collect clothing, furniture and other items to donate to people needing those blessings. Ralph and Jean enjoyed camping, traveling to visit family and friends, and marveling over the beauty of God's creation. His backyard garden fed his family and neighbors—and he loved that it continues to do so. Ralph's example of living simply so that others may simply live has spread to touch the lives of countless people.

Ralph lived as a servant to others. His death on Sunday, June 29, 2025, needs not end his work. Donations in Ralph's memory will continue his service of sheltering homeless people, feeding hungry folks, and sowing seeds of peace, hope and faith. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to either CUP (a Cincinnati organization coordinating needs of seven food and housing services) or World Villages for Children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon on Friday, August 1, 2025, at The Community of the Good Shepherd, 8815 E. Kemper Road, Montgomery, Ohio. Visitation at the church will be from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery follows the mass.