Ralph "Duke" Francis Holland

Ralph “Duke” Francis Holland passed away March 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, IN at 83 years old. He was born on August 29, 1936 in Casper, WY to Elizabeth Ellen Holland (Dunn) and John Roscoe Holland. Duke was kind, caring and loved by all who knew him. His faith and his family were both very dear to him.  He always gave a heartfelt prayer (usually leading to many tears) before every meal at family gatherings and he was the self-designated homemade ice cream maker.  Along with the ice cream, he would try a “skosh” of every dessert available.  On major holidays, he insisted all individuals at the gatherings congregate together for a picture whether they were immediate family or not.  Duke would set up the camera and press the timer before running to get in the picture himself; however, he was not the most efficient photographer and it usually took more than one attempt to get the picture taken.  Among the many talents that Duke acquired was the ability to turn a picture into a painting, which he enjoyed doing in his spare time.  Many of his paintings have been on display over the years during the Indiana State Fair in the Home and Family Arts Building.

Duke retired as an Accountant after more than 30 years of employment for Allison Division of General Motors.  He was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church on Michigan Road in Indianapolis, IN.

Duke is survived by: Wife, Michelle Ann Holland, Brother, Glen Holland (Bonnie)

Duke had 7 children: Chad Holland (Penny), Lori Tharp (Ryan), Vana Strack (Rick), Tawna Hadden (Chip), Tier Beatty (Jay), Shay Hagan (Jeff), Lynk Holland (Nancy).

4 step-children: James Whiten (Jodie), Scott Whiten (Mariel), Renee Lopez (Hector), Melissa Brown (Thomas).

13 grandchildren: Noah Holland, Jonah Holland, Kelsey Nighthawk (Michael), Abby Tharp, Conner Strack, Adam Strack, Lindsey Murdock (Joe), Trey Beatty, Ryleigh Beatty, Robby Hagan (Riley), Jake Hagan, Alex Holland, Kenia Alvarado.

3 step-grandchildren: Alex Whiten, Brianna Lopez, Millie Brown. 2 great grandchildren: Mia Murdock, Monroe Murdock.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Ruth Delph (Holland) and Iris Holland, and his step-son, James Whiten.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association https://alz.org

Services for Duke will be at a later date.