Bobby Leon Ralston, age 61, a lifelong Portage and Lake Station, IN resident, passed away suddenly on June 11, 2023.

Bobby was born on February 3, 1961 in Gary, IN to Charles Ralston, Sr. and Ruth (nee Williamson) Wilcox.  He worked as a general operator at Bethlehem Steel, now Cleveland Cliffs.  He was a member of Local 150 and donated regularly to local charity groups.  Bobby was also a member of First Baptist Church of New Chicago.

Bobby was a very generous man and was always willing to help anyone.  He was an avid fisherman and liked to fish with his mother, Ruth, or his good friend, Jerry Miskuf.  Bobby went up with his RV and boat to Michigan to camp often.  He was a former hunter, a coin collector, and enjoyed riding his motorcycle.  Bobby proudly tended to his yard and could be found either splitting logs or burning them in his fireplace.  He was a loving son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who will be missed deeply by all who knew him.

Bobby is survived by his daughter: Misty (DJ) Rios; mother: Ruth Wilcox; father: Charles Ralston; grandchildren: Haley, Ethan, and Trinity Rios; siblings: Debbie Ralston, Charles Jr. (Mona) Ralston, and Nikki Smith; several dear nieces and nephews; step-siblings: James, Brenda, and Tony Wilcox; and many close friends.

Bobby is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Willia Belle and Coy Charlie Williamson; and his paternal grandparents.

A Celebration of Bobby's Life will take place on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at First Baptist Church of New Chicago (401 Huber Blvd., Hobart) at 10:00 A.M.  Cremation and arrangements are entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel.