The pictures you will find on this page are a few of what I have collected over the years. Ralph was the business partner and best friend of Dr. Jones. I have mentioned Dr. Jones and his wife Barb many times in the course of journey to Mackintyres Church. The people you see in these pictures are only a small part of Ralph and Debs family. Though we were not related by genetics, we were all treated and cared for as if we were their very own family. Ralph and Deb did not have children of their own but the opened their hearts and arms to more people than I can count or even know. Kind and generous, wise and honorable, caring and interested are words to describe both Ralph and Deb. In all the years I have known Ralph, I have only seen him upset twice. Not a pretty sight but justly so. Deb, I know of only one thing that would get her going. I'll not speak of it again but we definately shared that common thing. Ralph was the "go to man" when you had a problem. He never told you what to do or how to fix it. He asked you enough questions during the course of conversation and by the time you were done, you had discovered your own answer. Not just any answer, but a logical, well thought out answer. I can't tell you the wisdom I learned from Ralph. I only hope I can remember it all and use it wisely. Ralph loved dogs, Deb loved cats. Every time we got a stray kitty, we would tell Ralph we were calling Deb to come and get it. It was the same answer each time. "NO!" Usually within a day, Deb would come in. If she didn't have a home for it, she would love on it and carry it around until a home was found. Ralph had his constant companion, Oswald. Definately a devoted dog. Protective and loving, spoiled but a hard working hunter, Oswald has been around our clinic since he was a puppy. We all love him dearly. Ralph and I spoke often about a variety of things from his family, meaning his mother, sister, brother in law and nephew and his brother from out of state. We talked about business, religion, politics , finances ...... we talked about everything. Warren - I guess maybe over the years you have paid me for several hours that should be coded in Quick Books as continuing education. (Sorry, but it was money well spent. I promise.) Our last conversation was about Ralph retiring in then next year or so. Not going away but just cutting back a lot. I told him he couldn't leave me. Not now. He was my rock, my calm in the storm, my peace in the crazyness and the best shrink anyone could ask for. I told him I would find him where ever he went. He laughed at me when I said map quest would take you anywhere. We also talked about the Christmas card Deb sent. Many times over the last few months, she had asked what they could do for Mackintyres Church. She was very concerned about doing the right thing. Many times I told her the same thing. "Deb, you don't have to do anything. Nothing is fine, something is fine, anything is fine. Just do what is in your heart." They sent us a check in our Christmas card. I told Ralph thank you and to tell Deb at the moment I opened the card, I knew what to do with the gift. I saw a cross shortly after Mackie died. I told him I was going to go get that cross for the alter at the church. The focal point of the inside of the church would be the alter cross and I thought that was where their contribution should be spent. He thought Deb would like that very much. They were anxious to see the church completed. I have no doubt that at 12:15 am on New Years day they were greeted by my little Mackie with a big smile and extended hands saying "welcome to the party". I have no doubt Ralph and Deb have filled him in on anything he has missed going on here because he was busy chatting and hugging on all of his new friends there. I have no doubt that God knew Ralph and Deb needed to stay together for this journey and he blessed them with just that. I feel great comfort knowing that they are with Mackie because I know how they loved children. I also know...Mackie is probably having some of those intense conversations with Ralph that I used to have as well as keeping him entertained and on his toes. They will be missed by more people than I even know. The lives they touched extend on and on beyond my knowledge. The world will be a lesser place without them. I have had several people call to check on me. Today I am fine. I had to put on my big girl boots and talk to the staff at the animal hospitals, try to talk with the family of Ralph and Deb, account for Oswald, and address the media. I have had to prepare for the week ahead and be strong for others. I am quite certain, as my friend Christine says "open the box I have put this in" it will be very difficult. For now, that box is packed away and once everyone else is OK, I will open the box and let it out. Honestly, I don't think reality has set in. Seriously, how much can one take??? This much tragedy surely can't be for real. Right??? Unfortunatley, when I unpack that box, it will be for real and I know that. I'm just not ready to open it today. Today I will worry about Ralph and Debs family, my friends Barb and Warren and the staff at Amity Woods and Shoal Creek.
If you look closely, Mack is in this picture. What a treat for me to find today.
Again tragedy has come far to close to home for us. Our friends, Ralph and Debbie Sutton were killed early New Years Day in that fatal car crash at Vivian and Antioch. I have a page for Ralph and Deb here because they were the dearest of friends. They were two people that made a difference in others lives.
Ralph and Debra Sutton
The links below are links related to Ralph and Debbie Sutton from the news channels and newspapers. The first link, short story contains photos on the page and the last link, slide show, is photos set to music.
At the farm with Warren and Barbs boys.
We will be adding a memorial garden at Mackintyres Church for Ralph and Debbie. I have already started carving the stone. It is a large stone and a very special stone. It was one of the stepping stones to Mackies cabin in our back yard. Mack had moved it from the garden by our pool at some point in time. It is quite large, so how he moved it remains a mystery much like the pyramids and stone henge.... but he moved it. It is only fitting that since Ralph and Deb spent so much of their time caring for others and taking in all of the children under their wings that they should have a garden up on the hill overlooking the childrens gardens. Mackintyres Church is a place to find peace and search out wisdom to lifes difficult questions. What better place for Ralph to be in spirit. The gardens will bloom into a place of beauty and grace. What better place for Debs spirit. We are happy for suggestions from friends and family regarding the construction of the garden. Visitors are always a welcome blessing.
Reading the Christmas story pass it around game this year.
I would like to update this page more often, but I have a shortage of pictures. If you have pictures of Ralph and Deb that you would be willing to share, I would love to put together new ones on here and in the slide show. Email them to me at stacey@mackintyreschurch.com. I know we have lots of visitors to this page so your help in keeping it fresh and different would be great. If you have a few words or a short story about Ralph and Deb, I would be happy to put it on here too.
