Ralph Royster Valentine, Jr., 64, of Sweet Home passed away Thursday. He was born in Turlock, California to Ralph R. and Alice Valentine-Van Houtan.

Ralph served in the US Navy from 1964 to 1967 on the USS Galveston, and then continued to serve in the US Navy Reserves until 1969. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

Ralph lived in Salem, Oregon from 1950 to 1969, during which time he graduated from North Salem High in 1964. He attended Oregon College of Education, Oregon State College, and the University of Oregon.

Ralph began working with mentally challenged youth at Fairview Hospital in the early 1970s. He moved to Sweet Home in 1984 to work in a group home, the Oregon Mennonite Alpha Home, and worked as a Special Education Assistant for the Sweet Home High School. Ralph had a love for children in need and donated his time and hair to “Locks of Love.”

He is survived by: his sister, Janis Valentine Matilla of Los Angeles, California; brothers, Randy Valentine of Sweet Home and Ray Valentine of Santa Monica, California; nieces, Kimberly and Alison Matilla of Los Angeles, California; and nephew, Roman Valentine of Santa Monica, California. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Per his wishes, Ralph donated his body to science. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to a Memorial Fund at Sweet Home High School, 1641 Long Street, Sweet Home, Oregon.

Memorial service will be 2:00 pm Friday, November 12, at VFW Hall, 580 Main Street in Sweet Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.