Ralph Matthew Noble, 86, of Austin, died Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010 at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin. 
He was born Nov. 1, 1923 in Austin, the only child of Roscoe and Morine (Tollerud) Noble. Ralph graduated from Austin High School in 1943. On Oct. 10, 1946 he was united in marriage to Clara (Srp) McCauley in Austin. Ralph and Clara made Austin their home together for more than 62 years before Clara passed away on Nov. 11, 2008.  They lived on their farm for many years before moving to the Cedars of Austin and then to Sacred Heart.  They sold the farm home site to their grandson, Jason Schlichter, whom they helped raise. Ralph farmed, worked for Ulland Brothers Construction, served on the Lansing Township Board and was a member of the Austin FFA Alumni. He loved farming and going to auction sales. A good friend and neighbor, he was always smiling and willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed going for coffee with friends and relatives and especially spending time with his family. He loved the annual family gatherings they had in the summer.
Survivors include three daughters, Sandra (Dennis) Berhow of Stewartville, Marie (Darrell) King of Austin, Carol Schlichter (Virgil Waltz) of Austin; stepdaughter, Sister Donna McPhail of Riceville, Iowa; three grandchildren, Matthew King, Jason Schlichter (Darcy), Melissa King (Shannon Schewe); four step-grandchildren, Renae (Keith) Weipert, Bonnie (Roger) Ladner, Micki (Keith) Winkels, Ted McPhail; 15 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marion Srp of Austin; brother-in-law, Richard (Angie) Ginder of Stacyville, Iowa; aunt, Catherine Tollerud of St. Paul; many nieces and nephews. 
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Clara; his parents; son-in-law, Charles McPhail; grandson, Daryl McPhail; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Friends and relatives may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Worlein Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. 
The family prefers memorials to St. Olaf Lutheran Church or Sacred Heart Care Center. 
Condolences may be expressed online at www.worlein.com.  
Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.