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Oct. 15, 1947-May 12, 2024

Sanders “Ralph” Jenkins, 76, of Dowagiac, passed away on Sunday evening, May 12, 2024, at Northwest Health Porter, in Valparaiso, IN.
He was born on Oct. 15, 1947, in Coral Gables, Florida. Ralph was a decorated veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam Conflict. On Dec. 23, 1972, he was united in marriage to Paula D. Stuckman. Ralph was employed for many years at Bosch Manufacturing (formerly Allied Signal / Bendix) until his retirement. Ralph was a simple man who liked teaching others the ways of life. He loved working on cars and enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing.
Surviving are three children — Kelly (Michelle) Jenkins, Julie (Eric) Johnson, and Robert (Allyson) Jenkins; seven grandchildren — Joel (Amanda) Correll, Austin Stickler, Emily Jenkins, Dylan Johnson, Rhys Johnson, Waylon Jenkins, and Genevieve Jenkins; six great-grandchildren – Trinity, Hailey, Natalie, Elijah, Elsie, and Evelyn; sister — Kathy Moss; two brothers — Steve (Rose) Jenkins and Scott (Margie) VanDervort; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his wife of 21 years — Paula Jenkins; son — Cody Jenkins; mother — Joan (Witters) VanDervort; and father — Talmadge Jenkins.
A service to celebrate Ralph’s life will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, May 25, at Clark Chapel and Cremation Services, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, where friends may visit with the family from 5-7 p.m., on Friday, May 24, at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will be in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles. Please visit Ralph’s personalized webpage to share a memory or leave a condolence to his family at www.clarkch.com.