Pastor Ralph A. Butcher, 84, of Middleport, Ohio, was called home to be with the Lord Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at Holzer Medical Center, Gallipolis, Ohio.

Born May 28, 1928, in Gallia County, Ohio, to the late Worley and Dorothy Little Butcher, he was Pastor at Old Bethel Freewill Baptist Church, Middleport, Ohio, and an Arc Welder for AEP River Transportion, Lakin, W.Va.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nina Herrmann Butcher of Middleport, Ohio; three sisters, Lorretta (Paul) Mulford of Hilliard, Ohio, Joanna Caldwell and Wilma Barnhart, both of Middleport, Ohio.

Ralph was preceded in death by three brothers, Willis, Gene and Frank Butcher.

Services are at 2 p.m., Sunday July 1, 2012, at Birchfield Funeral Home, Rutland, Ohio, with Rev. Clyde Ferrell and Rev. Kenneth Markin officiating. Burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery, Cheshire, Ohio. Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, June 30, 2012, at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be made at: www.birchfieldfuneralhome.com.