Ralph Dean Mabes

Ralph Dean Mabes, 92, of Salem, Va., went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Ralph grew up on Craig Avenue and was a graduate of Andrew Lewis High School. He was proud to be a citizen of Salem as he would say, Salem born, Salem Bred. After high school, he served in the US Navy where he satisfactorily completed prescribed courses of study at both the Airman School and Aerographers Mate School. Following his honorable discharge, he went into business with his father at Rockydale Quarry as Mabes & Son Hauling then later as Mabes Hauling. During the 1960s, he started his career in Real Estate. He began with his own company, Mabes Realtors, then retired in 2015 while working at Hall Associates. During his life, he enjoyed playing golf, traveling, and spending time at the lake boating, fishing, and skiing with family and friends. He was active in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren attending sporting events, birthday parties, going on vacations, graduations, and family get-togethers. He looked forward to eating his two chocolate chip cookies each day from McDonalds. He also enjoyed his involvement at Salem Baptist Church where he was a member. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Bradford and Rachel Wills Mabes; wife of 64 years, Doris Turner Mabes; siblings, Harry Mabes and Marie Dent; and nephew, Robin Dent. His surviving family includes his children, Stephen L. Mabes and Brenda Mabes Williams; grandchildren, Stephanie L. Hutsell and Michael P. Williams; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn and Dominick Draper; great-great-granddaughter, Leilani Jones; sister-in-law, Peggy Turner of Luray, Va.; and many nieces and nephews. The family extends a special thank you to The Harmony Collection at Roanoke as well as Gentiva Hospice for the care given to Ralph and the entire family. A celebration of Ralphs life will take place on Monday, April 15, 2024, in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem, Va. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. Interment will immediately follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com. Service Details. Visitation When Monday, April 15th, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153 Service When Monday, April 15th, 2024 2:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153 Interment When Monday, April 15th, 2024 Location Sherwood Memorial Park Address 1250 East Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153