Ralph Edwin Burtis

Ralph Edwin Burtis, a former machinist at the Lab and a longtime Tracy resident, died Nov. 15. He was 78.

Burtis, who was born Nov. 8, 1931, in Imperial, Neb., moved to Tracy in 1962. He established and managed a machine shop for Dave Petz until 1966, when he took a job as a machinist at the Lab where he worked until 1990.

An active volunteer, Burtis served 10 years with the Tracy police reserves and led Boy Scout Troop 505 as Scoutmaster for 10 years. As a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, he handled maintenance and gardening work and held several church offices. He also was a member of several area square dancing and camping groups, including Valley Travelers, Tracy Tumbleweeds and Trailer Twirlers.

He and his wife traveled abroad together after his retirement. He also was a project manager for Laborers for Christ for nine years, helping build churches, colleges, high schools and campgrounds throughout the United States.

Burtis is survived by his wife, Lucille Burtis of Tracy; two daughters, Deanna Foggiato and Delores Ohm, and her spouse, Loren; daughter-in-law, Roxann Burtis; two siblings, Leona Taylor and Donald Burtis; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two children, Rodney Burtis and Debra Burtis; and four siblings, Elva Reed, Dean Burtis, Robert Burtis and Hubert Glen Burtis.

A memorial service will be held Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1635 Chester Drive, Tracy. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions in Burtis’ name may be sent to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1635 Chester Drive, Tracy 95376, or to a charity of choice.