Donald Eugene "Don" Ralls

Donald Eugene Ralls, a longtime Sutherlin resident and businessman, passed away Sunday, August 24, 2014 at Mercy Hospital with his loved ones at his side. Don was born to Burton and Velma Ralls in Coalgate, Oklahoma on February 15, 1941. At the age of six the family moved to Oakland, Oregon. Don attended Oakland schools until his junior year then transferred to Sutherlin High School where he graduated. He met Lynne Oulette his senior year and after a 4 year courtship they were married on August 8, 1963 in Carson City, Nevada. Their daughter D'ann was born December 10, 1965 and was the "apple of his eye". Don's dream was to own his own business. After working at the mill, Held Motors and Sunshine Biscuit, he convinced Ed Barnes that he wanted to buy Barnes Fuel Oil. He proved to be a successful businessman building the business from starting in his home to having it grow to what it is today. Hel felt fortunate to have worked side by side with his daughter for over 30 years. Don sold the business in January and enjoyed every day of the seven months he was retired. He supported many charities and was a member of the Sutherlin Lions, a member of the Blackberry committee, the Chamber of Commerce and the Sutherlin School Board. Don's hobbies included waterskiing, snowmobiling, traveling and working in the yard. His most enjoyable pastime was faithfully following D'ann and then his grandsons in the many activities they all participated in. In addition to his family, the loves of his life were corvettes and his dogs Bear and Maggie. Don was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife Lynne; daughter D'ann Henry (Buck); grandsons W.D. Henry Megan and Jimmy Henry (Crysta); brother Randall (Audrey) and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and their children. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sutherlin High School Football Field Project or the Sutherlin-Oakland Food Pantry. Services will be held Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 12:00 PM at Family Church in Sutherlin with lunch and a get-together to follow at the Umpqua Golf Resort in Sutherlin.