Ralph Soliz, Jr.

    Ralph Soliz, Jr., age 85, of Elsie, MI, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Memorial Healthcare, Owosso, MI.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 26, 2026, with his brother Rudy Soliz officiating. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 2-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Ralph was born in Elsa, TX on March 31, 1941, the son of Rafael Soliz and Silberia (Villareal) Soliz. He married Barbara Jean "Barb" Noble, on August 22, 1959, in Ovid, MI. They were blessed with 65 years of marriage; prior to her passing on March 2, 2025. He retired from Johnson Control in Owosso after 30 years of service, and later drove school bus for Dean Transportation.
     Ralph enjoyed farming, fishing, camping, and time outdoors. He spent many years coaching little league in Elsie and participated several years preaching in the Clinton County Jail to Spanish speaking men. Most of all he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and horses. He attended Fenmore Baptist Church.
     He is survived by his children: Lisa (Neil) Criner of Elsie, MI; Tim (Michele) Soliz of Tucson, AZ; Steve (Susan) Soliz of St. Johns, MI; and Rebecca Soliz of Ovid, MI; his grandchildren: Jennifer (Eric) Zuniga, Amy Jo (JC) Stoll, Matthew (Michelle) Criner, Rachael Soliz, Philip Soliz, Travis (Maria) Soliz, Nick LaPrell, Jason (Jodie) LaPrell, Jeannine LaPrell, Samantha (Evan) Bucher, Samantha (Robby) Dobski, Sabreena Soliz, Mikaylah Poli, Justin Poli, and Alaina & Joshua Poli. He is also survived by 29 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Angie Longoria of Ovid, MI; his brother Rudy (Helen) Soliz of Houston, TX; sisters-in-law: Rosemary Soliz of Branson, MO; and Maria Rosas of St. Johns, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara, his daughter Laura Soliz, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
     Memorials may be made to the family to help cover final expenses. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.