Ralph Kenneth Sunderland, 75,
died peacefully in his home in Independence, surrounded by his loving family
on December 27, 1999. Funeral services where held at 10 a.m. Thursday,
December 30, at Speaks Suburban Chapel, Independence; A private interment was held in
Mound Grove Cemetery. Friends of the family called and visited from 6-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 29 at the chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations
be made to The Special Neighbors Program, 12200 East 32nd St.,
Independence, MO, 64052, (816) 836-3462.
Ralph was born in Kansas City, KS, on January 5, 1924 to father Phinas Albert Sunderland and mother Lilly (Ratlif) Sunderland. He grew up in the Gashland/Dearborn area and earned
a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1949 from the University of
Kansas City, now UMKC. A veteran of WWII, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific and in
Shanghai, China, where he received a Purple Heart.. He was a resident of Independence, Missouri for 45 years. In 1956 he founded Sunderland Accounting Services and remained actively
involved in its day-to-day operations. He belonged to the
Missouri Society of Accountants and was a certified financial
planner. Ralph was a member of the RLDS Special Ministries Church
in Englewood, an avid gardener, and sports fan. Go Chiefs.
He is survived by Lillian Mae (Clarke) Sunderland, his wife of 44 years; his children, William Albert Sunderland,
Diane Lee Simmons, David Allen Sunderland, Daniel Thomas Sunderland, Gary Lee Sunderland, Randy Dean Sunderland; and stepson, Michael Eugene Swaidner. Ralph had 14
grandchildren; Kevin, Nicole, Teresa, Serena, Connor, LillyJo, Taryn, Kenneth,
Morgan, and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived
by his brother, Albert, a resident of Las Vegas, NV; and a sister,
Nina Winn, of Independence, MO. (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban
Chapel)
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