Ralph Jacob Howlett M.D.

Ralph was born March 17, 1932 in Seattle, Washington, to Lester Valdine Howlett and Irma (Yost) Howlett. He grew up in Edmonds, Washington along with his older brother Maxwell.

During 1950 to 1955 He was in the U.S. Navy reserves and served during the Korean Conflict. He attended Seattle University and University of Washington.

He married Sharon Kaas in 1956 and headed to medical school in Los Angeles where he attended the California College of Medicine which is now University of California, Irvine (UCI).  From 1961 to 1963 he did his internship and OB GYN residency at Detroit Osteopathic Hospital. He then did residency at Mercy Hospital and UCSD Hospital both in San Diego. He went into private practice in San Diego from 1967 to February 14, 1992: Practiced primarily at Sharp Memorial Hospital. He was involved in South West OBGYN Society, American College of OBGYN, was on Sharp Memorial Board as Vice Chief of Medical Staff for two years, on the board of directors for Sharp Memorial Hospital,  Supervisory Committee for Sharp Memorial Hospital, and chairman of Credentials Committee for 17 years.

Ralph was an avid sailor of both sailboats and motor boats. He loved the water and spent his retirement years sailing to Puerto Vallarta, Canada and Alaska.

He lost Sharon after 51 loving years but then had a chance to continue his joy for life and traveling with his wife Carmen Rafferty for another 15 years.

He brought so much life to this world; he would say “over 7,000 babies”. But, he also brought life and love to everyone around him. He always had a smile and a joke ready for friends and family. He didn’t let Parkinson’s stop him from doing what he wanted to do. He loved taking river trips and continued to take them. As recently as April, when he went to Alaska. He believed in and was dedicated to doing his physical therapy which was at Grossmont Hospital with a wonderful and excellent group of physical therapist. We have lost a loving, kind and gentle soul. Someone who will be dearly missed by all who knew him and everyone whose life he touched.

He was predeceased by Sharon, his brother, Maxwell, and grandsons Craig and Scott  Lefever.    He is survived by his wife Carmen, three daughters, Kathleen Newell (Pat), Patricia Magaudda (Robert), Diane Paolucci (Dr.Michael), step children, Mary Rieger,  Joseph Rafferty (Tanya), twelve grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Services will be on October 28, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 2766 Navajo RD. El Cajon, CA. 92020. Mass will be at 11:00 A.M.  A private burial will be at a later date. Any donations in his honor may be made to Our lady of Grace Catholic Church.