Ralph J. Howard, 66, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2020 at St. Joseph Hospital Mt. Sterling. He was born July 19, 1953 to the late Willie and Cora Lee Conn Rogers Howard. He was a retired Body Shop Owner. He loved to fish and hunt, four wheel, gardening, going to the dragstrip and watching Nascar.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Pitts Howard of Mt. Sterling, KY; one son, Steven Douglas Howard (Marie) of Stanton, KY; four brothers, Jesse Howard of Wapkoneta, OH, Robert Stephens of Lima, OH, Mike Stephens of Lima, OH and Barry Stephens of Lima, OH; two sisters, Barbara Lou Stephens of Lima, OH and Mary Jo Stephens Clem of Pennington Gap, VA; one granddaughter, Megan Howard; and one great grandchild, Kali Hamilton.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters, Maxine Makley and Sharon Cramer.

A private family graveside service will be at Lovely & Amburgey Cemetery with Rev. Jim Skidmore officiating. Pallbearers will be Steven Howard, Jesse Howard, Janson Ledford, Darrell White, Chris White and Chester Crabtree. Honorary pallbearers will be Devonna Ledford, Virginia Helton, Andy Cole, Sheila Hardin, Ida Fraley, Bentley "Geno" Reynold, Jeff Conn, Billy Conn and Arthur Cole.