Ralph A Goss

Ralph A. Goss, 83, of McClure passed away on November 23, 2025, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by the family that loved him dearly. He went on his own terms—strong and steady into the hands of God—and was at peace with his passing. Even in his final days, his biggest concern was the wellbeing of each of us, his family, who relied on him for everything, from life’s biggest moments to its smallest needs. In his own words, “bodies wear out,” and he knew his had. He was adamant that he and Mom/Nana had given us a good start in life, and that we would be okay without him.

Dad/Pap cared deeply about the little and simple things. He fixed what was broken, rarely threw anything away, and often remarked, “things just aren’t made the way they used to be.” A true caretaker, he and his wife lovingly cared for his mother and mother-in-law into their final days and devoted himself to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren from their earliest moments until cancer made it impossible. We are grateful for all he taught us—everything from how to treat people to how to tie flies. He made the best molasses cookies, mountain pies, and chili, and loved hosting campfires and making special batches of teaberry ice cream.

He was born on July 14, 1942, to Gordon and Ruth (Paige) Goss, a younger brother to Gary (Pearl) Goss. He graduated from West Snyder High School in 1961, where he was a talented athlete on the wrestling mat and the soccer field. On January 25, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Judy K. Spaid, daughter of the late Jim and Katherine Spaid. Together they built a beautiful life in a home he built himself and raised two children: Ginger Goss (Bodie) Galliher and Jim (Michele) Goss. It was a privilege to be raised by a Dad like him.

Ralph worked at Beavertown Weaving Mill from 1963 until its closing and spent many years working alongside the Kahleys at Zechman’s Butcher Shop, building friendships along the way. He was a founding member of the Old Orchard Trail Hunting Camp, where he created countless memories. Ralph was also a faithful, longtime member of St. Paul’s Reformed Church in Beavertown, attending regularly with his wife.

He was the proud Pappy of five granddaughters—Morgan Goss (Sam) Shirey, Paige Goss (Kolbe) Straw, Laura Galliher, Kaitlyn Galliher, and Lily Goss (Brandon) Hartley—whom he doted on and loved dearly. His legacy continues through his seven great-grandchildren: Mack, Hank, and Celia Shirey; Izzy and Kolbi Straw; and Knox and Haven Hartley. His family will always cherish the strength, love, and steady guidance he provided.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, hunting, and catching snapping turtles, and he enjoyed sharing these passions with his grandchildren. He never missed a graduation, birthday party, baseball/softball game, or wrestling match. He was always there when we needed him (which was a lot!).

We sent him into heaven wearing a bright orange hunting cap. It brings us comfort to imagine him now, free from pain, walking, fishing, and hunting as he always loved—alongside his grandson-in-law, Kolbe Straw and his parents, in-laws and other departed family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at St. Paul’s Reformed Church, 127 W. Walnut St, Beavertown followed by the funeral service at 2 with Rev. Carl Bergerson officiating. (Sorry Ralphie—the first day of rifle season was the best we could do).

Our Dad/Pappy will be interred in Black Oak Ridge Cemetery, alongside generations of our family, but his truest memorial isn’t made of stone—it is us, and the way we will carry his love through all our days and into the lives of our own children and generations to come.

We love you more than words can say, and hope Heaven is as beautiful as Alaska!

Arrangements are by the Kreamer Funeral Home, 130 S. Zechman St., Beavertown.

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