Ralph Edward Heffner Jr., age 72, of East Liverpool, Ohio, passed away at 10:05 PM on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Salem Regional Medical Center.  He was born on November 15, 1952, in East Liverpool, Ohio, to the late Ralph E. and Iola (Harrison) Heffner Sr.

Ralph was born and raised in East Liverpool, a 1971 graduate of East Liverpool High School.  He spent his professional career in the trucking industry, retiring as a licensed independent semi-truck owner/operator.  As an independent owner/operator he had the flexibility to haul loads locally to allow himself time to be at home each day with his family and to enjoy more time with his hobbies and interests.  Ralph had an adventurous spirit, and enjoyed living life in the spur of the moment.  It was not uncommon for him to spontaneously gather up the family in the early morning and head out on an unannounced road trip to a theme park, the beach, or wherever the road took him.  He loved being out on the road, both with his family packed in the car singing along to the oldies and finding every "tickle-hill" he could or solo in the open breeze on his motorcycle.

With his kind and giving demeanor, along with a passion for projects, Ralph was always ready to step in and lend a helping hand to his family, friends, and neighbors when in need. He had an avid lifelong love for golfing, and could frequently be found on nice days out playing a course or at the driving range perfecting his swing.  He also spent many years in bowling leagues with his beloved wife, Dorothy.  His love of sports was always evident, and on football weekends his voice could always be heard cheering on the Buckeyes and Steelers on TV – a tradition that will continue to live on through his children along with his love of sports that he has passed down to them.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy G. (Walls) Heffner, whom he married on June 28, 1971; their three children:  Randy Heffner of East Liverpool, Ohio; Jennifer Heffner (Christian Demy) of Columbus, Ohio; and Valerie (Joseph) Swords of Arlington, Virginia;  three grandchildren:  Amber (Joseph) Langdon, Morgan Heffner, and Harrison Swords; and siblings Daniel Heffner, Patty Geon and Maria Douglass all of East Liverpool, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by three of his brothers: Norm, Dennis, and Steve Heffner;  and a sister, Vicki Board.

There will be no services held at this time. You may leave expressions of sympathy at apgreenisenfh.com

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the GreenisenFamily of Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, Salem, Ohio.