KEYSVILLE, Jan. 21 – Robert James Ulke, 70, of Keysville, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 after a long illness. He was born September 5, 1939. Before moving to Virginia after retirement, he served as a professional fire-fighter in Richmond, California for 28 years.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene Manly; children, Debra Clark and Denise Whited of California, Scott and Michele Ulke of Washington State and Paula and John Ellison of Keysville as well as numerous grand-children and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at the family home on Saturday, Jan. 23 and a private burial will be held at a future date.

Contributions may be made to the Keysville Fire Department.

Cremation Society of Virginia-Southside, Inc. is serving the Ulke family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.virginiacremation.com