Florence "Flo" Salyer Ralph, 97, Kingsport, died Sunday (May 24, 2009) after a period of poor health.

Flo was born the oldest child of the late Robert and Earlie Salyer. Born in Scott County, VA, she came to Kingsport at an early age and at 16 years of age, she resided in Richmond, IN; later living in several places in Texas, where she met her husband, Willard "Pinkey" Ralph; both moving to Kingsport after retirement.

Flo served in the Army Air Force during World War II; working in radio and as an air traffic controller. After her service ended, she worked at IBM as a key punch operator and supervisor.

She loved to travel and had visited several foreign countries. Flo also loved playing bridge, at which she excelled. She was a member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1989; sisters, Madeline Camper and Iva Nell Bishop.

Surviving are her brother, Art Salyer, Kingsport; half-brother, Harold Salyer, Rogersville; and several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Flo's wishes, she was cremated. A graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Oak Hill Memorial Park with Rev. Jack P. Weikel officiating, where she will be buried beside her beloved husband.

Memorial contributions may be given to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 1346, Kingsport, TN 37662.

Kingsport, TN Times News