Ralph was finally back on the farm that he so missed. However, after graduation from High School, he decided to go to Cleary College, in Ypsilanti, MI. There he studied accounting. Trouble was accounting jobs were in the cities. So, Ralph decided to help his Pa on the farm instead.
Once married, Ralph and his wife, Edith, moved to the farm. This wasn't without its problems. His dad, Millie, didn't appreciate Ralph suggesting that he try new ways of farming. After all, his way of farming had worked just fine. Ralph found this to be frustrating. Not to mention that his Pa and Grand Father were no longer speaking to each other over a disagreement about the farm. Ralph would go on to raise his family on this farm that he loved and hoped would one day be his. He also hoped that his Pa and Grand Father would be able to resolve their differences. But he had little hope because of the Setterington pride and stubbornness. Donna Gene Stankey and her daughter, Ramona Hammel, both grew up on the family farms. (Donna on the Setterington third generation family farm, outside of Elsie, Michigan. Ramona on her dad's fourth generation family farm outside of Wayland, Michigan.) Both had lived in large cities for a time but were glad to be back to farm life. Their love for this wholesome lifestyle is what prompted them to write and publish these stories about the Setterington family. Donna has since passed away. Ramona is a dental hygienist and continues her life on her husband's fourth generation family farm outside of Hudson, Michigan.
