Larry Ralston knew a lot about a lot of things

Laurence (Larry) Ralston of Roscoe, Illinois, was a true Renaissance man. He was always curious. He had a broad and comprehensive knowledge about many things.

Larry lived his whole life in Roscoe, Illinois. He was born January 20, 1926, one of six children born to Kenneth and Evelyn Ralston and a proud graduate of Harlem High School.

He was the great-great-grandson of Roscoe Township’s first permanent settler, Robert J. Cross. The Ralston family, from Scotland, settled near Argyle, Illinois in 1843 and became the namesakes of Ralston Road and Ralston Elementary School. 

Larry passed away on July, 29, 2024. He was 98 years old.

Larry married the love of his life, Hazel (Lundgren), on June 27, 1947. The young couple moved into their current home on Swanson Road. They lived in the same house for 77 years.

“When we moved into the house, there was no electricity or running water,” Hazel said. “Through the years, we made it into a lovely home. Larry built a lot of the furniture and added a porch on the front of the house.”

Larry and Hazel owned their home and 1,000 acres of land on and around Swanson Road, including what is now Kieselburg Forest Preserve.

They also owned the land that is now Shepherd Hills subdivision. Larry worked with the Village of Roscoe developing homesites and building roads on the property.

First and foremost, Larry was a farmer. He raised and showed over 300 head of Suffolk sheep, and later became a grain farmer. “He hired a shepherd to help tend the flock,” Hazel said. “He named the subdivision in memory of the sheep.” The streets are named after breeds of sheep.

Larry had a life-long interest in the Case Tractor Club and owned many antique tractors.

According to his daughter Cindy, he could do just about anything. “Dad built a lot of the furniture in the house plus cedar chests and tables for all of us.”

The couple loved family gatherings and hosting fishing derbies and golf tournaments. According to Cindy, he even presenting green jackets to the winners.

After Larry and Hazel raised their children, they brought several high school foreign exchange students from around the globe into their home, often hosting three students at a time. Through the years, they traveled to visit them in their own countries.

The Little Red Shed Produce sign still stands on Swanson Road, near the home Laurence (Larry) Ralston and his wife Hazel. The little produce store was a favorite place to purchase seasonal, fresh fruit and vegetables. Larry loved to talk to customers and share his knowledge of growing produce.

Many families in and around Roscoe have stopped for farm-fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers at The Little Red Shed in front of the Ralston’s farm. “Larry loved being out there and talking to customers and sharing his gardening expertise.” He tended his little produce store for about 15 years, until he was 96. If he wasn’t able to be at the shed, customers paid on the honor system.

According to Cindy, “Dad sold the best tasting sweet corn and tomatoes around.”

Larry served as Winnebago County Board chairman and worked for the Illinois Department of Revenue. He was a member of the Farm Bureau, Harlemites, and First Evangelical Free Church in Roscoe.

“There were lots of challenges along the way, but we had a full and wonderful life”, Hazel said. “Larry had a strong faith that he demonstrated on a daily basis and shared with his family.”

Larry is survived by his wife, Hazel, four daughters: Teresa Williams; (Doug McLaren); Cindy (Paul) Dennis; Diana Saverino; Marla (Doug) Price and special son, Butch Harris.

Eight grandchildren: Shelly (Bud) Turner, Matthew McClaren, Marissa (David) Rieder; Fred Dennis, Sarah Wright (James); Michael Savarino (Shonna); Nate Price (Bethany); Marc Price (Kristin), twenty great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers Harold, Duane (Deanna), sister Mary Jane Alexander and many nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents, brothers Russell and David, special daughter Kay Harris, son-in-law Mike Saverino and great-granddaughter Olivia.

The family wishes to thank the OSF Palliative Care and Hospice teams for their loving care, specifically Amy, Lydia, Mikaya, Melissa, Allison and Alvin.

A memorial service is planned for Friday, August 16, 2024. The service will take place at the Roscoe Township Community Center, 4562 Hononegah Road, Roscoe, Illinois. Visitation is at 2:30 p.m., followed by a service at 3:30 p.m.

Donations in his name may be made to Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District, Roscoe Township Historical Society, or a favorite charity.

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