Ralph Carver, 92, of Ames, went home to be with the Lord, August 7, 2010, at Bickford Cottage in Ames. Ralph was born December 17, 1917, in Rural Jasper County, Iowa to Jesse and Ruby (Rumbaugh) Carver. He was a 1935 graduate of Collins High School. He married Esther M. White on August 27, 1940, in Des Moines. He farmed in the Collins Community for 50 years and was a member of the Collins United Methodist Church in Collins. Ralph enjoyed the simple things in life: woodworking, camping, music, dancing and board games. He loved telling farm stories to his children and grandchildren. Ralph is survived by his daughter, Karen Anderson of Independence, Missouri; his sons, Ben (Georgia) of Ames, Ed (Deborah) of Altoona; five grandchildren, Julie Whitaker, Darrell Anderson, Marcy (Douglas) Chevelle, Brian (Beth) Carver, Mindy (Brad) Oswalt; three step-grandchildren, Tracy McAninch, Carrissa Stethem and Gail McAninch; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and his friend, Betty Daley. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Esther, his grandson Chris and great-grandson, Cory. Memorial contributions may be made the Collins United Methodist Church in loving memory of Ralph. The family would like to thank our extended families at the Bickford Cottage in Ames, the nursing staff at Mary Greeley in Ames and Homeward Hospice. We could not have asked for better care.