Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As that dreadful date approaches once again; please
wrap your arms around your loved ones and keep them
safe and warm. You will be in all our thoughts and
prayers. It has been a long four years.

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

-Leo Buscaglia

Protect us; help us heal.

Anonymous

April 17, 2009

Ralph, No words can be said that will take away the pain. You had that special something, that let me know that you cared. I will forever be greatful fo all the time that we shared. I will love and miss you forever. Mom

A Mother's Love

I need no pictures
to remember your warm smile;
the lines of your face
are embedded in my memory of you.

I gave you life in one second of pain,
for which you returned years
of yourself-
sometimes quiet, sometimes noisy,
but always thoughtful.

Sometimes I hear a voice that sounds
like you, and I pause.
That pang of hurt stems from a tiny
empty spot you have left in my life.
I carried you in my womb,
then later in my arms.
But I will carry you in my heart
forever.
- Joy Morning

Anonymous

April 13, 2009

Hi Ralphie,
I've been thinking about you a lot lately. We all really miss you but know you are up there watching down on us with your grandma & grandpa and your uncles. I still look at your picture and tears just want to start rolling down my face. You will always be our little baby Raphie even though you are a grown man with children. Your aunts need your love and support as they grow older as do the rest of the family.
We love you and miss you.

Anonymous

April 2, 2009

Thanks for watching over him, he's following in your footsteps. Miss you.

Anonymous

March 23, 2009

Quote for the day...

Amma says, "The beauty and charm of selfless love and service should not die away from the face of the earth. The world should know that a life of dedication is possible, that a life inspired by love and service to humanity is possible.

Anonymous

February 24, 2009

You are always in our hearts. Thank you for always being there for us. Thanks buddie!!!

Rachael Fruehwirth

February 23, 2009

Ralph, I know you continue on duty still to this day. It's just in a higher place now as a guardian angel. I have no doubt in my mind that you have watched over my son John from day one, when he was a Cahokia Officer and now an Illinois Trooper. Thank You, for keeping him safe! Your in my prayers always.

Nancy Baudino
family friend

February 20, 2009

Our baby turned 18. We miss you always. Wish you were here to celebrate with her. She is doing good and you would be really proud of her but then you always were. I love you.

Anonymous

February 19, 2009

My Love, you are strong and you will do well in life. I love you and my children deeply - today and tomorrow, let each day grow and grow. You keep smiling and never give up when things get you down. So in closing, my love, tonight - tuck my kids in warmly, tell them I love them, hug them for me and give them a big kiss goodnight for daddy! (From 'Black Hawk Down').
For you and all those who have been taken from us in the Line of Duty.

Cindy Ballman
Wife of P.O. Tom Ballman, 282

January 17, 2009

Ralph,
I asked, you answered....thank you. Love and miss you every day.

Anonymous

January 12, 2009

Happy New Year's Buddie. We miss you and love ya!!

Anonymous

January 5, 2009

I still display your picture in my Office and share with others how you responded to my aid 04-20-05. For that I am grateful, but still morn your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Chris Heitman, Maries County Sheriff
former Gasconade County Sheriff's Deputy &
former Belle Police Chief

Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office

January 4, 2009

Happy New Year Ralph. We love and miss you so much.

Anonymous

January 2, 2009

Happy New Year sweetheart. Watch over everyone I love as they start out 2009. You are always on my mind and in my heart. Mom

MAry Ann Tatoian
Mom

January 2, 2009

Ralph - I am thinking about you and your family this Christmas. Keep them in your prayers. Tell Bill and the rest of the gang "Hi". You are all missed today and everyday.

Kathy McEntee, Bill's sister

December 24, 2008

Hey Ralphie,
You are gone but definitely not forgotten. I just want to thank you for looking out for my brother. You are in our hearts and on our minds, and when we speak of you there are still tears, but mostly smiles.
Keep everyone safe this deer season.
You are truly missed.

mr

Anonymous

November 19, 2008

hey fella deer season is right around the corner, and i feel like im gonna explode im so excited. we had to bust our butts to get ready this year because of all the flooding and such but things really look good down at the property. i think im gonna be hunting in your stand this year so i get to go out with nick in the morning. anyway wish you could be here especially when they give my dad a hard time about not shooting enough, i know you would have a few things to say about that.

Anonymous

November 11, 2008

It's that time of year; you are sorrowfully missed.
We keep your memory alive on a daily basis. They are difficult steps although some happiness slips in; mostly with thoughts of you and your light shining bright.

Keeping our eyes trained on the horizon; every step brings us closer to you and the joy when we'll see you again.
Please guide your new brother and give his family strength.
Godspeed.

Anonymous

November 2, 2008

Missed you this weekend, but enjoyed our time with Ralphie and your folks. He is so much like you and I know you are proud of him. Keep an eye on our deer hunters and keep them safe. You know your mom and I will be enjoying our time away from the guys as they look for bambi.

Cindy

Cindy

October 21, 2008

Missing you, especially around this time when vacation is around the corner, because you always liked that. The kids are excited. I`m glad to still make a memory with them.It means alot to me to share a part of you with them. Keep watching over all of us. I need your smiling face right now. Love, Mom

Mary Ann Tatoian
Mom

September 30, 2008

We are all missing you so much. Stay close.

Anonymous

September 25, 2008

Ralphie! We all get to thinking about you this time of year. Between the golf tournament and hunting season, there is a lot of people remembering you right now. Put in a good word for us upstairs-we have a lot that needs to come together before this year's tournament.
Miss you, love you, wish you could be there for our family weekend in the country.

Kristen

September 14, 2008

All the little things that you are missing make me want to cry. All the big stuff makes me want to scream. Miss you.

Anonymous

September 10, 2008

Please show him the way and send him some happiness. He needs you now as he needed you then. You are such a role model to him, help him find the way.

Anonymous

September 10, 2008

Ralphy what a spectacular morning. It was the type of morning that gets you in the mood. Cool crisp morning with lots of dew on the grass the feeling of fall in the air, your favorite time of year. Time to sharpen one of your many knives and zero the gun. Start making the list of everything including the kitchen sink to take come November 15. I plan on being in a tree stand on September 15 opening day of bow season. I know you will be there with me.

Friend

Anonymous

September 10, 2008