Ralph "Smitty" Condrey

Ralph "Smitty" Condrey, 83, of Robinson, IL, died July 1, 2020, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. He was born May 26, 1937, in Oblong, IL, the son of Hamlin Condrey & Golden (Richart) Condrey, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Susan Ochs on March 7, 1959, and she preceded him in death on June 1, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his son, Ron Condrey; by his grandson, Josh Rodgers; by his brother, Richard “Dick” Condrey; and by his sister, Mary Ann (Condrey) Braden. He is survived by his sons & daughters-in-law, Donald Jay & Trudy Condrey (Robinson, IL) and Jon Allen & Joanna Condrey (Olney, IL); his daughter & son-in-law, Jill & Randy Nidey (Oblong, IL); by his daughter-in-law Amy Condrey (Robinson, IL); by his grandchildren, Tyler Condrey (Wilmington, DE), Deena Myers (Killeen, TX), Andrew Hargrave (Hutsonville, IL), Zach Condrey (Robinson, IL), Brianna Garner (Olney, IL), Kirsten Piercefield (Olney, IL) Megan Garner (Olney, IL), Jessie Ault (Flat Rock, IL), and Stephanie Tucker (Bridgeport, IL); by five great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Smitty grew up in rural Crawford County and was a 1955 graduate of Oblong High School. Out of school, he ambled out of Crawford County to earn a living, making it as far as Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. He eventually made his way back home, where he met Susan and settled down. Much of his life was dedicated to tending the fields and to livestock as a farmer. He also worked for a number of local businesses before finding employment with Marathon, where he worked for several years before retiring as an operator in 1999. Away from work, Smitty was a staple at local ballparks. Much of the 70s of 80s found him coaching baseball and softball for area boys and girls. It is impossible to measure the impact the man had on the countless kids he had the opportunity to not only coach, but mentor. In short, his willingness to "go the extra mile" made a tangible difference to an entire generation of county athletes. At home, the Condreys were well-known for their garden and provided produce for their many friends and neighbors. Anyone who had the good fortune to know him could attest to the fact that Smitty found joy in the little things, such as camping or simply talking with those he loved. When he spoke, it was apparent that it was done with both thought and consideration, which was a picture of the way the man lived his life. We are thankful that he lived with a generosity of spirit that lives on in the hearts of those he touched. Though he was a good man, he recognized that he wasn't a perfect one, which is why he put his life in Jesus' hands a number of years ago. We who are left behind have the assurance that his 83 years are just the beginning in light of eternal life alongside his Savior. It was Smitty's wish to be cremated, and the family will have a private service at a later date. To honor the lives of both Smitty and his grandson, memorials may be made to the "Josh Rodgers Memorial Benefit". Checks may be mailed to Goodwine Funeral Homes at 303 E. Main St. Robinson, IL, 62454. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.