Ralph William "Bill" Chitty, 89, of Chalmers, died at 4:15 a.m. Sept. 8, 2010, at Westminster Village Healthcare. Born on Jan. 14, 1921, in Lafayette, Indiana, he was the son of the late Ralph Alvin and Lena Harriet Anderson Chitty. After graduating from the Brookston School system in 1939, he attended Purdue University earning an agricultural economics degree as a member of the class of 1942. Ralph honorably served from 1943-1946 in World War II as a U.S. Marine. His tours of duty included Iwo Jima (5th Division) and the Occupation of Japan. He married Ruth Ann Clinton on Aug. 14, 1955, in Odon, Indiana, at the United Methodist Church. They spent more than 50 years together raising their three children on a small farm in Prairie Township near Chalmers, Indiana. Ralph devoted his time to being a faithful steward of the land on Prairie View Farm. In addition to raising various grains and livestock, Ralph produced and sold seed beans, and was a dealer for DeKalb Seeds. As a member of the Federated Church of Brookston, he served on many boards including the Board of Christian Education and Board of Trustees. At home he took pleasure in tending his vegetable garden and enjoyed practical wood working projects. Surviving are a daughter, Harriet Armstrong (husband: John) of Columbus, Indiana; and sons, Alvin Chitty (wife: Deidre) of West Point, Walter Chitty (wife: Becky) of Chalmers; and eight grandchildren. Preceding him in death with his parents are his wife, Ruth Ann Chitty; a twin brother, Richard Anderson Chitty; a daughter, Martha Lynne Chitty; and a granddaughter, Kaytlynne Suzanne Chitty. Memorials can be made in Ralph's memory to either the Federated Church of Brookston or to the Brookston / Chalmers First Responders and may be made during service times or mailed to the Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home (P.O. Box 509 Brookston, Indiana 47923). Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at the Brookston Federated Church; the Rev. Dr. Lelan D. McReynolds to officiate. A procession past the family farm and burial to follow in the Chalmers Community Cemetery, Chalmers, Indiana.