In Memoriam RALPH K. SUNDERLAND 1924-1999

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 sister, Nina Winn, of Independence, MO. (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel)