Obituary of Debra J. Ralston

Debra J. Ralston, 60, of 211 Irving Street, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2015 after a courageous 2-year battle with breast cancer. Debbie passed away in the comfort of her own home surrounded by her family & loved ones. Born in Salamanca on August 17, 1954, Debra was the daughter of Merlin and Lori Boardman Mosher who reside in Olean. She was a 1972 graduate of Olean High School, and went on to attend Thiel College, Jamestown Community College, SUNY Albany, and Olean Business Institute. On August 11, 1979, Debbie married Scott Ralston of Portville, NY, who survives. They spent 35 years devoted to their vows, "All that I am, I share with you." Together they raised three children, Adam, Joel, and Katie. Debbie played an active role in her children's education, serving as PTA President and Building Level Team President at Ivers J. Norton. Debbie lived in the light of the Lord and was dedicated to raising her family in faith. Debbie was a life-long member of Bethany Lutheran Church where she served as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, Vacation Bible School Coordinator and teacher, and Board Treasurer. During her life-long residency in Olean, Debbie was an employee of Olean Times Herald, Homecare and Hospice, Olean Business Institute, and was most recently self-employed as a book keeper. Within the community, Debbie was actively involved with The Genesis House, Homecare and Hospice, Mental Health Association, and area congregations. During the past two years, Deb was honored with a yellow rose by the Zontas for being a woman of inspiration, and was presented with the Marion B. Scott Award for her unwavering commitment to the vision and service work of The Genesis House. Along with her loving husband, Debra is survived by her parents, Merlin and Lori Mosher of Olean; two sons, Adam (Katie) Ralston of Woburn, MA, and Joel (Katherine) Ralston of South Bend, IN; a daughter, Katie Ralston of Olean; two beloved grandchildren, Cali and Tyler Ralston of Massachusetts; three brothers, Douglas Mosher,and Keith (Diane) Mosher both of Olean, and Kevin (Becky) Mosher of Little Valley; five brothers-in-law, David Ralston of Lackawana, Wayne Ralston of Joplin, MO, Richard (Marsha) Ralston of St. Louis, MO, Alan (Debbie) Ralston of Olean, and Greg Ralston of Randolph; her three best girlfriends, Carol Moses, Margie Proto, and Debbie Ralston; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Debra was predeceased by her brother-in-law, William Ralston. Friends will be received in the Bethany Lutheran Church 1706 Lincoln Ave Olean on Friday August 7, 2015 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. and again on Saturday Aug. 8 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at which time a Funeral and Committal service will be held. The Rev. Marie A. Meeks, Pastor, and the Rev. Donald Wilcox will officiate. Burial will be in the Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Portville at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deb's name to The Genesis House of Olean, HomeCare and Hospice, and Bethany Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the button above.