Welcome to the memorial page for
RALPH ALLEN DEFFES
July 29, 1950 ~ August 12, 2017 (age 67) 67 Years OldShare Tribute:
Ralph Deffes
“Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being.” Ralph Allen Deffes, 67 peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Ochsner Medical Center Main campus with his son and daughter by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Deffes, Catherine “Bessie” Deffes; his older brother Johnny Deffes; his loving wife, Tonya “Sue” Deffes; his best cousin Donald Fernandez Sr. Ralph is survived by his two loving children, Ryan Allen Deffes and Tara Ashley Deffes; his two sisters, Pasty and Evelyn Deffes (Amy and Angelo Russo); and his cousin Donald Fernandez Jr., who was like a son to him. Ralph also leaves behind many members of the Lafaye and Hakenjos family whom he truly loved. He also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, many cousins and plenty of friends and we cannot forget to mention great neighbors. He was also “G-Paw” to Chef Deffes whom he referred to as his “grand-dog.” Ralph worked as a Crane Operator with Boh Brothers and B&G Crane. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 406 for many years. Ralph received a liver transplant August 11, 2016 and his final year was lived to the fullest. He was able to live in good health, enjoy life, spend quality time with his family and friends whom he loved so dearly, as well as keep up with his silly pranks that he loved pulling on those he loved; his laugh was contagious. Ralph loved to work and just recently was able to go back to work for the Longos; he also loved cutting his grass and being the “mayor” of his neighborhood. He loved his New Orleans Saints and always cheered them on no matter what. Ralph always remembered a face and a name and was so personal with anyone who crossed his path. He was the life and the dancer of every party. He touched so many people and always knew how to take positive out of every situation. The family is forever grateful to the Ochsner Medical Transplant Team who helped him received the gift of life and give him a second chance. He cherished every moment of that second chance; the man could not sit still. The family would also like to thank Ochsner Medical Center ER and Neuro staff for keeping Ralph at peace during his final hours. The family is forever grateful for the support they have been receiving from loved ones and friends at their time of need. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Ochsner Multi-Transplant Institute in honor of his name, visit https://www.ochsner.org/services/organ-transplants. A celebration of life for Ralph will be held with the visitation starting at 9:00 AM followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 19, 2017 in the J. Garic Schoen Chapel of JACOB SCHOEN and SON FUNERAL HOME, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.schoenfh.com.
“Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being.” Ralph Allen Deffes, 67 peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Ochsner Medical Center Main campus with his son and daughter by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Deffes, Catherine “Bessie” Deffes; his older brother Johnny Deffes; his loving wife, Tonya “Sue” Deffes; his best cousin Donald Fernandez Sr. Ralph is survived by his two loving children, Ryan Allen Deffes and Tara Ashley Deffes; his two sisters, Pasty and Evelyn Deffes (Amy and Angelo Russo); and his cousin Donald Fernandez Jr., who was like a son to him. Ralph also leaves behind many members of the Lafaye and Hakenjos family whom he truly loved. He also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, many cousins and plenty of friends and we cannot forget to mention great neighbors. He was also “G-Paw” to Chef Deffes whom he referred to as his “grand-dog.” Ralph worked as a Crane Operator with Boh Brothers and B&G Crane. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 406 for many years. Ralph received a liver transplant August 11, 2016 and his final year was lived to the fullest. He was able to live in good health, enjoy life, spend quality time with his family and friends whom he loved so dearly, as well as keep up with his silly pranks that he loved pulling on those he loved; his laugh was contagious. Ralph loved to work and just recently was able to go back to work for the Longos; he also loved cutting his grass and being the “mayor” of his neighborhood. He loved his New Orleans Saints and always cheered them on no matter what. Ralph always remembered a face and a name and was so personal with anyone who crossed his path. He was the life and the dancer of every party. He touched so many people and always knew how to take positive out of every situation. The family is forever grateful to the Ochsner Medical Transplant Team who helped him received the gift of life and give him a second chance. He cherished every moment of that second chance; the man could not sit still. The family would also like to thank Ochsner Medical Center ER and Neuro staff for keeping Ralph at peace during his final hours. The family is forever grateful for the support they have been receiving from loved ones and friends at their time of need. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Ochsner Multi-Transplant Institute in honor of his name, visit https://www.ochsner.org/services/organ-transplants. A celebration of life for Ralph will be held with the visitation starting at 9:00 AM followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 19, 2017 in the J. Garic Schoen Chapel of JACOB SCHOEN and SON FUNERAL HOME, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.schoenfh.com.
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