Ralph D. Yerby, 87, of Germantown Hills, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

He was born December 2, 1937 in Peoria to the late Ralph and Louise Painter Yerby. He was first married to Carole Stafford; he later married Phyllis Speidel Johnson, and they recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his daughters, Denise Riggio and Lisa Grant; son, Steven Johnson; grandchildren, Bryan (Jen) Kirkham, Matt (Breanna) Kirkham, Sam Grant, Lilith Yerby, Sydney Grant, Peter Grant, and Andrew Johnson; great-grandchildren, Jordan and Kali Kirkham; Nora, Reagan, and Olivia Kirkham; sister, Dr. Corliss O'Bryan; brother-in-law, Phillip (Jennifer) Speidel; nieces and nephews, Dr. Gerald O'Bryan, Dee O'Bryan, Brynna (Roy) Barnica , Rachael (Will) Taylor, Ross Speidel, and Laurie (Allen) Brewer; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sons, Blake and Eric; great-grandchild, Judah Kirkham; siblings, Ray (Mary) Yerby and Ruth (Travice) Warren; son-in-law, Mark Riggio; and daughter-in-law, Edna Johnson.

Ralph retired from Cast Technologies after 44 years, starting with the company when it was known as Brass Foundry. Ralph was active and vibrant throughout his life. He got to enjoy much travel, whether it was his winters in Florida or enjoying the many trips and cruises he and Phyllis shared with Ken and Donna Bradshaw. Ralph loved golf, and even scoring five holes-in-one. He played in the men's golf league and senior golf league at Fondulac Park District and also bowled in a league at Sunset Lanes. When he wasn't on the course, he was often enjoying his favorite drink at Starbucks or meticulously cleaning a car.

Ralph was a longtime member of First Federated Church in Peoria, where a memorial service will be held at 10:30am Tuesday, May 20, 2025, with Pastor Ed Wegele officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7:00pm Monday, May 19, 2025 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or First Federated Church.