Ralph Richard Houser, Sr.

RALPH HOUSER, SR.

Ralph Richard Houser, Sr., 95, of Valley View, rural Bellefonte, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Centre Care. He lived independently at home until his health declined in November due to COVID-19 and pneumonia.

Born Dec. 11, 1930, in Valley View, he was the youngest child of the late Miles and Gertrude (Spicer) Houser. Ralph grew up in Valley View, helping out on the family farm, and was a 1948 graduate of Bellefonte High School. In his youth he played baseball with the Valley View Wildcats.

On Dec. 16, 1952, in Frederick, Md., he married the love of his life, the former Shirley Louise Shawley, who passed away on April 29, 2015, after 62 years of marriage.

During the Korean War, Ralph served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. He operated the engines at a repeater station near Inchon, Korea. He also guarded prisoners in California. Ralph took many photographs and slides documenting daily life in Korea, and in later years he enjoyed recounting stories of his experience in the Army.

Ralph came home to Valley View and moved next door to his parents, where he and Shirley lived the rest of their lives. He worked for Titan Metal Company, later Cerro Copper and Brass, from which he retired in 1992 after 37 years of service.

Among other jobs, Ralph also worked for his father-in-law, J. Henry Shawley, in his cement finishing business. He was handy with everything and was always busy around the home.

Ralph enjoyed hunting. He liked to sing, loved to cook and enjoyed ice cream almost every day.

He enjoyed watching Penn State football, the Pittsburgh Steelers and old westerns.

Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and helping them throughout their lives. Ralph helped care for his parents in their declining years. For many years they vacationed at Wildwood and Stone Harbor, N.J., and later he and Shirley had a regular camper spot at Grange Fair. They also traveled to many states with their daughter, Susan, as she showed her Bernese Mountain Dogs. Ralph and Shirley loved babysitting the dogs.

Since 1942, Ralph was a member of the Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church (originally Valley View United Brethren Church). He served as Sunday School Superintendent and Church Trustee. He lived a quiet, faithful Christian life and will be remembered as a kind and patient man.

Ralph is survived by his children, Ralph Houser, Jr. (Catherine), of Valley View, and Susan Houser (Kenneth Robinson), of Bellefonte; and two grandchildren, Justin Houser (Lindsey Wilson), of Zion, and Jamilyn Houser, of Valley View.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by nine siblings, Andrew Houser, Adalean Bilger, Russell Houser, Willis Houser, an infant brother, Morris Houser, Ethel Ishler, Verna Corman and Earl Houser; as well as by a special nephew, Earl Houser, Jr.

Visitation will be held at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring St., Bellefonte, on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor James Jacobs officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Meyer Cemetery, Benner Township.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com