Lonnie Lee Ralston

Lonnie Lee Ralston, 72, of Baldwin City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 14th, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas.
He was born January 2, 1953, in Holdrege, Nebraska, the son of Roger William Ralston and Nelda Mae (Lanman) Ralston. Lonnie graduated from Concordia High School with the Class of 1971. After graduation, he served in the United States Army infantry from 1971 to 1973, including deployment to Vietnam, where he served as a helicopter door gunner. Following his service, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Science from Kansas State University in 1979.
On June 7, 1980, Lonnie was united in marriage to Marvette Marie Clark in Clay Center, Kansas. They recently celebrated 45 years of marriage.
Lonnie worked as an estimator and construction project manager, owned and operated Mid-America Builders, retiring in 2018. A lifelong builder in every sense, he took great pride in renovating and preserving their over 100-year-old home in Baldwin City. He valued craftsmanship, sustainability, and the simple satisfaction of reusing and recycling whenever possible.
He had a curious mind, a quick wit, and a storyteller’s charm. Whether recalling childhood adventures, funny mishaps, or favorite memories, Lonnie could light up a room with laughter and connection. His dry humor and perfect timing were unforgettable, and his stories will live on through those who loved him.
He loved cooking—especially barbecuing and making his famous beef jerky—and was always up for a unique project, like curing a full Scottish Highland cowhide, which he completed with creative flair. Lonnie enjoyed Scottish culture, classic rock, and time with his beloved Weimaraner dogs.
He also loved to travel. He and Marvette explored many places over the years, from scenic drives to family vacations, including especially cherished trips to the Outer Banks. He found joy in discovering new places and sharing those experiences with the people he loved.
His favorite Bible verse was Matthew 7:7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” He took great pride in his wife Marvette’s ministry and often attended her sermons, supporting her work and sharing in the joy of her calling.
In his final days, Lonnie requested what he called a “reverse funeral”—a joyful gathering of his loved ones while he was still present. Surrounded by family, he spent his last few days reminiscing, laughing, listening to stories, and celebrating a life well lived. He wanted to leave the world in peace and love, and he did.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Nelda Ralston.
He is survived by his wife, Marvette Ralston of the home; two daughters, Heather Staab and her husband, Eric, of Topeka, KS, and Holly Rickner and her husband, John, of Chanute, KS; a son, Derek Ralston and his wife, Joanna Chan, of San Francisco, CA; six grandchildren, Trenton Reamer of Overbrook, KS, Dayton and Elin Staab of Topeka, KS, and Oaklee, Hattie, and Lindy Rickner of Chanute, KS; a brother, Mike Ralston and his wife, Charlotte, of Lincoln, NE; a sister, Ronelle Ralston of Phoenix, AZ; and his mother-in-law, Diana Clark of Baldwin City, KS.
In lieu of flowers, Lonnie’s family requests memorials be made out to Baldwin First United Methodist Church and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006.  Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com. Photos may also be shared there in celebration of his life.

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