Longtime Elma resident Ralph Frederick, 93, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2017, in Montesano, Wash. He was born March 24, 1923, in White Star, Wash. to Dwain and Frances (Bevis) Frederick, and spent his entire adult life living and working in East Grays Harbor County.

Frederick attended Elma High School, where he graduated in 1941. Following graduation, Ralph joined the U.S. Navy where he served as Gunners Mate aboard the USS Tuscaloosa for 4 years, he then returned to Elma and married his wife, Annie Catherine Beck. Members of the Church of God in Elma, they were active participants in their church and community throughout their long lives.

Ralph worked at the Simpson Door Plant for 34 years and was president of the Lumber and Sawmill Workers Local 2761, American Federation of Labor and was active in union affairs for more than 16 years. He was a lifetime member of the McCleary VFW Post.

Ralph contributed much to the City of Elma during his lifetime, serving on the City Council for 7 years and as mayor for 10 years. He was instrumental in bringing the Ventron Plant to Elma, as well as assisting in the development of a new sewage treatment plant, extended sewer services, a new city park and purchases of a new ambulance and fire truck, Ralph Frederick, rightfully so, was distinguished by “The Elma Chronicle” in 1979, as one of “East County’s 10 Most Influential People.”

During his lifetime, Ralph graciously found time to coach Little League, was a member of the Elma Ambulance Crew, served on the Grays Harbor Transit Board, the City Planning Commission and the Elma Senior Citizen Center Advisory Board. He was also Chairman of the East County Food Bank Board and along with his wife, Annie, operated the food bank for years. Ralph was the recipient of the Elma Chamber of Commerce’s “Long-term Distinguished Citizen of the Year” honors in 1991.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Walter Frederick; daughter, Becky Lou Frederick; daughter-in-law, Rebecca Sue (Hodges) Frederick; and his beloved wife, Annie Catherine (Beck) Frederick.

He is survived by his son, Ray Frederick; granddaughter, Sheila Frederick, both of Elma; along with many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Ralph, his wife Annie and dear nephew John Boling will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m., in the Elma High School Commons.