Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home

09/03/2026

Janet Ruth Markey

Janet Ruth Markey, 98, of Celina and formerly of Coldwater, Ohio, died Monday August 31, 2026 at the Gardens of Celina. She was born July 19, 1928 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was a daughter of the late Joseph Francis and Viola (Anderson) Markey.

Janet was a 1947 graduate of Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During her early years in Philadelphia, she worked at Honeywell. Janet later moved to North Miami Beach, Florida with her parents. After her father's passing, she moved back to Philadelphia with her mother. After her mother passed away, Janet moved to Rockford, Ohio to be with her sister, Regina Cully. In Rockford, she was a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church from 1989 until 2003. Then she moved to Coldwater, Ohio before entering assisted living at The Gardens of St. Henry. While living in Coldwater she was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Janet enjoyed many different crafts, such as embroidery, ceramics and scrapbooking. Janet also enjoyed researching her family genealogy. She loved to watch baseball, especially the Cincinnati Reds and her beloved Philadelphia Phillies.

In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, Joseph Markey, Francis Markey, James Markey, Thomas Markey, Regina Cully, and Genevieve Blasczycyk.

She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Monday, September 14, 2026 at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 4227 Ohio 707, Rockford, Ohio 45882 with Father Rob Muhlenkamp officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 3133 US Route 33, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

Memorial contributions in Janet's name may be sent to the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.

Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

View Janet Ruth Markey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/23/2026

Nancy Lou Leighner

Nancy Lou Leighner (Hoke) of Rockford, Ohio transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on August 22nd, 2026, closing a long life marked by service, faith, and a deep love for her family and community. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy H. Leighner , with whom she shared many years of partnership, hard work, and happiness. Nancy should be remembered for her pride in - and shared love of - her family and farm, as well as for her involvement with the Rockford community.

Nancy was born on September 13th, 1937 in Clayton, Ohio to Elmer & Sylvia (Oswalt) Hoke [Stepmother, Edna Hoke]. She often shared fond memories of her childhood in Phillipsburgh, Ohio. Her work career consisted of roles at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton; Aeroquip; Driving School Bus for Parkway; and she later retired from Teleflex in Van Wert.

Nancy lived with a heart for service. She devoted countless hours volunteering in children's ministry at Rockford United Methodist Church , pouring her faith into the next generation with patience, kindness, and a steady presence. Her investment and commitment to her small town community extended far beyond the church walls: she was known for showing up, helping out, and offering her gifts and talents wherever she was needed. From simple gestures like cheering in the stands for her Panthers at sporting events and handing out popcorn balls at Halloween to leaving a lasting legacy of contributing to the planning and fruition of a community splash pad, Nancy would stop at nothing to bring a smile to others.

She found joy in the simple, grounding rhythms of life. At the top of that list, her passion for cooking and baking for those she loved still holds true in the family debate over chunky vs smooth applesauce and memories of the lard can supper at the family reunion. She took great pride in tending to her garden and flowers, appreciating the beauty of nature in every season. Nancy cherished her communities and delighted in gatherings filled with laughter, games of dominoes, volleyball and bocce ball, and shared stories. She also loved to travel, especially camping trips in her fifth wheel with Roy, where she embraced the freedom of the open road; the quiet comfort of time spent outdoors; and family and friends scattered throughout the country (with notable favourites in Texas, Michigan, Florida, and Arizona, just to name a few).

Nancy's greatest pride was her family. She became an expert in our family lineage and enjoyed any opportunity to boast of her extensive family tree. She leaves behind children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and a great‑great‑grandchild who each carry their own memories and remnants of her strength, humour and unwavering dedication.

Children:

Cindy Renee Thompson (and Doug)

Nancy joins in Heaven her beloved daughter, Cindy, who passed away in February 2026

Penny Jo "P.J." Fish (and Jack)

Rodney Hoyt Leighner (and Diana)

Grandchildren:

Elissa (Ben) Welborn

Shalyn (Sarah) Leighner

Paige Thompson

Ross (Eli) Leighner

Great‑Grandchildren:

Makynna (James), Carter, Ayeana, Maddox, Maverick, Kingston Rohen, Hadleigh, Riglee Evangeline

Great‑Great‑Grandchild:

Cooper

Nancy's life was woven from threads of faith, service, and love. May her legacy of kindness, community, and devotion be remembered with gratitude and continue to grow in the lives of those she touched.

The family will receive guests for a gathering in Nancy's honor and to celebrate her life:

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home (111 West First Street, Rockford OH 45882)

9:30 - 11:30am Public Visitation

11:30am Funeral Service with Burial immediately following at Rockford Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a quiet moment in nature, a shared meal or game, or an act of kindness in her memory. Donations can be made to the Parkway Booster Club or Rockford United Methodist Church .

The family extends appreciation to Nancy's dear friends and the caring staff at StoryPoint of Tipp City, Ohio, where Nancy felt at home and served as the life of the party for the past few years.

To know Nancy was to love her and we all know that she never met a stranger!

Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.

Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

View Nancy Lou Leighner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/15/2026

Linda Kay Meyer

Linda K. Meyer, 78, of Rockford, Ohio died Friday, August 14, 2026 at Mercer Health Hospital in Coldwater, Ohio. She was born July 17, 1948 in Wabash, Indiana to the late Clyde and Phyllis (Wilson) Mittank.

Linda graduated from Wabash High School. She went on to earn her nursing degree at St. Joe's School of Nursing. Linda worked as a registered nurse for many years at Shane's Hill Nursing Home before transitioning to working in the ICU at Van Wert County Hospital until retirement.

Linda was a member of New Horizons Community Church in Rockford. After retirement she enjoyed several hobbies such as sewing, crocheting, knitting, and reading. Linda also adored her plants. However, Linda's favorite hobby was visiting with her family and friends, either in person or on the phone!

Surviving are two sons, Ken (Pam) Meyer of Rockford, Ohio and Jeff (Jennifer) Meyer of Huntington, Indiana; one brother, Les (Jackie) Mittank of Fort Wayne, Indiana; four grandchildren, Madison (Clayton) Agler, Tori (Jordan) Riggs, Brooke (Collin) Smith, and Zach (Sara) Myers; and seven great grandchildren.

A celebration of life for Linda will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be given to New Horizons Community Church, 833 South Main Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.

Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

View Linda Kay Meyer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/25/2026

Eileen L. Kraner

Eileen L. Kraner, 86, of Celina, formerly of Chatt, passed away on July 21, 2026, at Celina Manor. She was born March 15, 1940, in Decatur, IN, to her late parents, Guy Hoyt and Esther Lavina (Graugerger) Krall.

Eileen will be laid to rest beside her parents during a graveside service at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ketcham‑Ripley Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared online at www.ketchamripley.com.

View Eileen L. Kraner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/04/2026

To view Joe Nuttle's funeral service, please go to this link:

https://youtu.be/NtTI1d2teuc

05/30/2026

Thomas Joe Nuttle

Thomas Joe "Joe" Nuttle, 72, of Van Wert, formerly of Mendon, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 26, 1953, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to the late Robert Milton and Doris E. (Nevergall) Nuttle.

A 1972 graduate of Mendon Union High School, Joe was a man of many talents and an unwavering work ethic. He began his career as a butcher before becoming a truck driver, eventually owning and operating his own rig. For many years, he and his father ran the Ohio City Meat Locker, a time he remembered fondly, before he returned to trucking. After several other roles, Joe ultimately retired from Fleetwood RV, where he worked as an electrician.

On July 25, 1986, Joe married the love of his life, Belinda Ball. Together they built a life filled with devotion and pride in their two children, Ashley and Travis.

Joe was a true jack‑of‑all‑trades whose hobbies included leatherworking and woodworking. He enjoyed DIY projects and "piddling" around the house, always fixing or improving something-there was hardly anything he couldn't repair. When time allowed, he loved to go fishing. He also coached his daughter's softball teams and cherished time spent with his "cousins." At home, Joe could often be found watching old movies with his faithful dog, Rusty, by his side.

He is survived by his wife, Belinda Nuttle of Van Wert; daughter, Ashley (Joel) Temple; son, Travis (Audrey) Nuttle; brother, Casey (Karen) Nuttle of Rockford; sister, TamaLu (Steve) Boroff of Mendon; and grandchildren: Dylan Nuttle, Porter Temple, Pierce Temple, and Paine Temple, all of Rockford. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Nuttle.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Ketcham‑Ripley Funeral Home, 111 W. First Street, Rockford, OH 45882, with Pastor Jason Boroff officiating. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.

Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank CHP Homecare & Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Joe and his loved ones in his final days.

Memorial donations may be made in Joe's name to CHP Homecare and Hospice.

Condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ketcham‑Ripley Funeral Home.

View Thomas Joe Nuttle's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/08/2026

Myrna Louise Henn

Myrna L. Hensley Henn, a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and companion, passed away peacefully at Van Crest Nursing Home in Van Wert, Ohio on May 6, 2026 at the age of 80. She was born December 2, 1945 in Celina, Ohio and she was the daughter of the late Carl Maurer and Ola (Linn) Maurer.

Myrna was a 1963 graduate of Rockford High School. She worked for a long time as the bookkeeper at Hensley's Welding Inc in Rockford. Myrna was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was an amazing home maker who made sure the cookie jar was always filled.

Surviving are two daughters, Melissa (Todd) Kaufman and Elizabeth (Roger) Luginbill both of Rockford, Ohio; Her companion of eighteen years, Stanley Zelt of New Haven, Indiana; Stanley's children, Jennifer (John) Lew and Heather (Shaun) Roe both of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Myrna's sister, Elaine Dull of Rockford, Ohio; her grandchildren, Eddie (Ricki) Burtch, Claire (Sam) Hempel, Haley Burtch, Elise Darrigan, Rogan Luginbill, Reece Luginbill, Seth Luginbill, Logan Lew, Cayden Lew, Emma Roe, and Sidney Roe; and her great grandchildren, Henry Burtch, Oliver Burtch, Harriet Hempel, and Josephine Hempel.

In addition to her parents, Myrna was preceded in death by her former husband, James E. Hensley, and her sisters, Romaine Minyoung and Mary Linda Beckham.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 am Thursday morning, May 14, 2026 at the Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882 with Pastor Steve Haddix officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 3133 US Route 33, Rockford, Ohio.

The family will receive friends prior to the funeral service, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am Thursday May 14, 2026 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home.

Contributions in Myrna's memory may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, P. O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or alz.org.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.

Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

View Myrna Louise Henn's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/27/2026

Barton Donald "Poke" Bickle

Barton Donald "Poke" Bickle, 62, of Rockford, Ohio died Sunday April 26, 2026 at his home. He was born July 1, 1963 and was the son of Bruce Bickle of Ohio City, Ohio and the late Connie Jo (Sallee) Bickle.

Poke was a graduate of Ohio City Liberty High School. He was a volunteer for the Ohio City Fire Department. He was a member of the Rockford Fraternal Order of Eagles Post #1292, and the Rockford American Legion Post # 508.

In addition to his father, Bruce, Poke is survived by his son, Ryan (Brittany) Bickle of Ohio City, Ohio; his brother, Chris (Michelle) Bickle of Rockford, Ohio; his sister, Teri Bickle of Celina, Ohio; his biological father, Barton H. Sidle of Ohio City, Ohio; two grandchildren, Gage and Lainey Bickle; a niece, Casey (Derek) Platfoot; a nephew, Troy (Terra) Patterson; and five great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his mom, Connie Jo, Poke was preceded in death by his daughter, Alexis Bickle.

A family graveside service will be held 3:00 pm Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ohio City Ohio. A celebration of Poke's life will follow 4:00 pm Sunday afternoon, May 3, 2026, at the Ohio City Community Building, 308 Lambert Street, Ohio City, Ohio 45874 with Pastor Randy Bevington officiating.

Contributions in Poke's memory may be made to the Ohio City Fire Department, 105 South Main Street, Ohio City, Ohio 45874, or to the Alexis Bickle Memorial Fund, c/o Brittany Bickle, 16755 Glenmore Road, Ohio City, Ohio 45874.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.

Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

View Barton Donald "Poke" Bickle's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/04/2026

Robert Lee Fetters

Robert L. "Bob" Fetters, 90, of Mendon, Ohio died Friday April 3, 2026 at Divine Nursing and Rehab at Shane Hill in Rockford, Ohio. He was born July 29, 1935 in Hopewell Township of Mercer County, Ohio, and he was the son of the late Moody T. and Gladys C. (Petrie) Fetters.

Bob graduated from Celina High School in 1953. He went on to serve in the army from 1958 until 1960. He was stationed on Governor's Island in New York Harbor. After serving in the Army, Bob returned home where he married the former Miriam Hawk on August 28, 1966.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by two sisters, Geraldine Rice and Loa Jean Fox.

Surviving is his wife, Miriam, of Mendon, Ohio.

Funeral services will be conducted 10:00 am Wednesday April 8, 2026 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882 with Pastor Bill Halter officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 3133 US Route 33, Rockford, Ohio. The family will receive visitors from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm Tuesday April 7, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.

Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

View Robert Lee Fetters's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/25/2026

Rosalie A Hughes

Rosalie A. (Fleming) Hughes, 85, of Rockford, Ohio died March 21, 2026 at Van Wert Manor in Van Wert, Ohio. She was born August 10, 1940 and was the daughter of the late Ivan and Lorraine (Frahm) Fleming.

Rosalie was a graduate of Rockford High School, class of 1958. On August 16, 1959 she married Larry P. Hughes, who preceded her in death on June 6, 2009.

Rosalie retired from TuWay in Rockford after 39 years of employment. She was a farm girl who loved being outside, planting large gardens with her mother and sisters that would provide for all the families. She loved to bake, canning her own vegetables, and sewing. Rosalie was also a member of a quilting group and took great pride in making T-shirt quilts with her sister for the grandkids, nieces, and nephews.

Surviving are two sons, Donald (Gerrilu) Hughes of Killbuck, Ohio, and Craig (Tami) Hughes of Carey, Ohio; one daughter, Kim (Randy) Roe of Decatur, Indiana; two sisters, Janet Emans of Rockford, Ohio, and Sharon Myers of Lima, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Michael (Carmen), Maureen (Kyle Stone), Matthew (Jessica), Logan, Parker, Mallorie (Zach Myers), Nathaniel (Taylor), and Caitlyn (fiancee Cody Garner); and seven great grandchildren, Breahlynn, Henry, Samuel, Nash, Fitz, Lainey, and CeCe.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Rosalie was also preceded in death by her brother Dale Fleming.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 am Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882 with Pastor Denise Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Willshire Cemetery, 2003 Rockford Road, Willshire, Ohio 45898.

Donations in memory of Rosalie may be given to Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, Ohio 45891.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.

Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

View Rosalie A Hughes's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.