Ralph Lawrence “RL” Moore of Rochester was called home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at his residence.

He was born on July 28, 1941 in Springfield the son of Carl Edward Moore and Ethel Foster Moore.  He married Carolyn Bowersock on June 20, 1970.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carol Rich.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Sarah (Jason) Moore Musgrave; precious granddaughter, Julia Lynn Musgrave; brother, Carl “Bud” Moore; and several nieces and nephews.

RL attended Rochester schools, MacMurray College, Illinois State University, Litchfield University in Connecticut and completed graduate degrees at the University of Illinois in Urbana.

He taught for 32 years in Springfield Public Schools and operated the Berry Patch gift stores in Rochester and Pentwater, Michigan with his wife, Carolyn.  They also owned Henry’s Restaurant at the Kensington House in Rochester.

Mr. Moore was a member of the Rochester Historical Preservation Society, Rochester Masonic Lodge 635 AF&AM, Sangamon County Historical Society, Westminster Presbyterian Church, General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Illinois (served as past governor), and the National 2020 Mayflower Committee.  He was a former member of the Regional Board of School Trustees of Menard and Sangamon Counties for many years.  RL and his wife, Carolyn were named Citizens of the Year in Rochester in 2008.

RL enjoyed spending time with his loving family, especially his granddaughter, Julia, who was the light of his life.  He enjoyed traveling, genealogy, antiquing, spending his summers in Pentwater, Michigan and English history.

Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 9, 2017 at Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester.  There will be an additional visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., Springfield, IL with Rev. Dr. Blythe Denham Kieffer officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rochester Historical Preservation Society, The Ronald McDonald House or the charity of the donor’s choice.

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