Ralph E. Holbrook, Bs Pharmacy, Fashp

Ralph E. Holbrook, BS Pharmacy, FASHP

Ralph Holbrook, 85, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at his home.

He was born on March 11, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Richard Earl and Dora Loretta Holbrook. He graduated from East High School in Kansas City in 1957 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 1961. In 1989, he completed the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics program in Pharmacy Director Executive Management at the Wharton School of Business.

Ralph married Norma Cochran on June 30, 1961, at Blue Ridge Boulevard Methodist Church. Together, they shared a life filled with love and service until Norma's passing.

He began his pharmacy career as a staff pharmacist at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Kansas City before serving as Chief Pharmacist at Children's Mercy Hospital for 11 years. From 1973 until his retirement in 2001, Ralph was the Director of Pharmacy at Stormont Vail HealthCare in Topeka. After retirement, he continued working as a relief pharmacist at Medical Arts Pharmacy until 2021, and provided counseling on Medicare Part D plan selection for the Kansas Division of Aging from 2007 until his passing.

Throughout his career, Ralph was deeply involved in his profession. He served in numerous professional associations, participated in industry research, and was a frequent speaker at conferences and events. He was also committed to the education of future pharmacists, serving as a pharmacy instructor at both the University of Missouri – Kansas City and the University of Kansas.

He is survived by his daughters, Tami Duvall (Bob) and Jennifer Shipman (David), and his granddaughter, Nia Duvall. He was predeceased by his wife, Norma, his parents, and his sister, Dora Ruth Sigle.

At Ralph's request, there will be no funeral service. Instead, a joint Celebration of Life will be scheduled for early 2025 to honor his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of Ralph's favorite charities, The Topeka Shawnee County Library. Donations can be sent to The Library Foundation, 1515 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604-1374.

Ralph touched many lives with his kindness, humor, and compassion. His legacy of service, both in the pharmacy field and his community, will continue to inspire those who knew him. He will be deeply missed.