Supermarket chain executive. Walter B. Ralphs went into business with his older brother, George A. Ralphs, forming Ralphs Brothers Grocers in downtown Los Angeles in 1875. Prior to entering the grocery business, Walter Ralphs operated a ranch in San Bernardino County, California. After George A. Ralphs died in 1914, Walter Ralphs, his two sons, and George Ralphs’ son ran the business. When Walter Ralphs died in 1954, five months months short of his 100th birthday, the Ralphs Grocery Company operated 32 supermarkets in Southern California. Today, Ralphs has more than 250 supermarkets, primarily in the Southern California area. The company merged with the Cincinnati, Ohio-based Kroger Company in 1999. (bio by: Mark Masek)  Family links:  Children:  Hazel J. Ralphs True (1889 – 1940)* *Calculated relationship