Ralph H. Shamblen 1922-2013 Ghent, NY - Ralph H. Shamblen, born January 24, 1922, died at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, NY on May 13th. His wife Ruth (Welch) died in 1999 after 49 years of marriage. He leaves six daughters, Judith Blache and her husband James of Jacksonville, FL, Cheryl Lyons and her husband Donald of Goose Creek, SC, Karen Hresko and her husband Robert of Denville, NJ, Brenda Schermerhorn of Ghent, NY, Ralph's caregiver with whom he lived the past several years, Melissa Maston and her husband George of Three Rivers, MA and Deborah Banker and her husband James Liles of Cape Coral, FL. He leaves one son, Ralph, Jr. of New Lebanon, NY. He was predeceased by his son Raymond Maynard of Alford, MA. Ralph was also predeceased by his two brothers Randall and Brian, both of Kenna, WV. He also leaves 24 grandchildren, including his granddaughter Angela Winters of Lee, MA with whom Ralph lived for years while she provided his care before moving to his daughter's in Ghent, 23 great grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Ralph was born in Kenna, WV and grew up on the family farm. After high school he took a job as a lineman with the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company in WV. When WWII intervened, Ralph proudly served his country with the US Navy. Navy training took him to the University of VA and Cornell University. After the war, Ralph returned to Cornell University to complete his studies, earning a BEE degree in 1948. He joined General Electric in Schenectady but soon transferred to Transformer Operations at GE's Pittsfield, MA location where he worked until retiring in 1982 with 34 years of service. He lived for many years in New Lebanon, NY where he raised his family. As an avid gardener, he and his family were known for the large garden they maintained together. He was a lifelong sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing into his mid-80's. He was a proud NRA member and for many years enjoyed introducing people to shooting sports, teaching gun safety and shooting skills as an NRA certified instructor. Calling hours will be Friday, May 17th from 10 to 11 am at the Wenk Funeral Home at 21 Payn Avenue in Chatham, NY with a funeral service there at the conclusion of calling hours. A burial service following a procession to the Cemetery of the Evergreens in New Lebanon will conclude the services. For on-line condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com