Ralph Wadsworth

Ralph Winton "Waddy" Wadsworth passed away peacefully Jan. 16, 2019 in Chico, CA at the age of 92. He was born on July 8, 1926 as the youngest of 4 children to Leo and Virginia Wadsworth of Sutter, CA. Ralph attended school in Sutter and graduated from Chaffey High School in Ontario, CA. He played piano since the age of 2 and violin since he was 5, which continued until his death. He served in the Navy during WW11 for 2 years after high school at Treasure Island in San Francisco, CA and in San Diego, CA. Afterwards, he attended College of the Pacific receiving his B.M. in Music, then received his Masters in Music Choral Composition at the conservatory through University of the Pacific and continued his education at USC. He taught music at Shasta High School from 1951 - 1957 and in 1957 came to Chico where he was highly recognized as a music professor teaching Acapella Choir, Chamber Singers as well as many other music programs at California State University, Chico. He met his future wife Molly Hoyt at CSUC. In 1960 they married and later raised their two daughters Erica and Stephanie in Chico, CA. Ralph taught voice and violin privately, composed music and travelled on many choir tours throughout California and Oregon with his CSUC choirs. He taught and retired as emeritus professor from CSUC as the last to receive the Golden Handshake. He was a popular teacher and was very dedicated to his students, who nicknamed him Waddy. He loved his family, painting pictures, gardening, swimming and he was well known for Chico's Halloweens best scary house and carved the best evil faced pumpkins and dressed as the best vampire for Chico's Halloween! He had a great sense of humor and was a fun-loving man! We love and miss you so much. He is survived by his wife Molly of 58 years, daughter Erica Phillips (Pete), Grandchildren Nicole (Blair), Allison (Will), Vincent (Prisilla), Shayne and great grandchildren Stephanie, Matthew, Paige and Riley as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his younger daughter Stephanie, his brothers Leo, and Harold and sister Virginia and his parents. Thank you to the staff at Enloe Hospital and California Park Rehabilitation Hospital for their excellent care and support. A celebration of life will be held June 28, 2019 11am at Red Bluff Oak Hill Cemetery. Reception to follow at Red Bluff Presbyterian Church. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to a favorite charity and always live life with a genuine smile.