Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home

10/06/2026

Thomas Deroy Ransbottom

Thomas Deroy Ransbottom

September 28, 1940 - October 4, 2026

Thomas Deroy Ransbottom, 86, of Rockford, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Tranquility of Rockford on October 4, 2026.

Tom was born September 28, 1940, in Celina, Ohio, to the late Olen C. and Mildred O. (Fast) Ransbottom. He was a lifelong educator and a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Tom graduated from Wilmington College with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts, with minors in Physical Education and Driver Education. He lettered in football all four years and later earned his Master of Education from Miami University.

Tom spent 34 years in education, where he did much more than teach. He encouraged his students to think big, work hard, respect others, and use their talents to the fullest.

His career began at Hardin Northern before spending 30 years teaching Industrial Arts at St. Henry High School. Tom was devoted to developing the potential of his students and held weekly Open Shop Nights, giving students additional opportunities to learn and work with their hands. He taught Driver Education and drove bus for 18 years. He was the founder of St. Henry football and served as their first head coach. Tom didn't just coach football-he built it. He laid out the field, constructed the press box, ticket booths, and goal posts, laying the foundation for a successful Redskin football program.

Tom received numerous honors, including Technology Teacher of the Year and the OTEA's State Teacher Excellence Award. He retired from education in 1996, but never retired from learning.

A talented woodworker, craftsman, and innovator, Tom invented the patented Super Bender, a tubing bender that was used in shop classes throughout the state. His creativity continued through Ranny Educational Productions, his videography business, where he documented weddings, special events, and countless memories throughout Mercer County. Rarely was Tom seen without a camera or camcorder in his hands. He was a man who loved to give-often gifting the many things he had made with his own hands.

Tom was a devoted husband to his beautiful wife & partner, Neva Lucille (Jolly) Ransbottom. They were married on July 12, 1969, and shared 57 years together. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, who brought him tremendous joy.

He was a member of Rockford United Methodist Church and the Rockford Lions Club, as well as the Van Wert Area Cushman Club and the Masons Shanes Lodge No. 377. Tom enjoyed giving back through Mercer County 4-H, judging at local and state fairs and teaching at summer camps. He also enjoyed building the annual parade floats for Wabash Mutual Telephone.

Tom will be deeply missed by his wife, Neva; daughter, Joni (Dave) Oyer; sons, Scott (Angie) Ransbottom, Kent (Michelle) Ransbottom, and Chad (Kara) Ransbottom; grandchildren, Jordan (Anh) Oyer, Landon (Annie) Oyer, Madison (Caleb) Suciu, Claudia Ransbottom, Rachael Ransbottom, Trey (Kennedy) Ransbottom, and Destiny (Jacob) Schabbing; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his sister, Nancy Smith; sister-in-law, Mary Kay Ransbottom.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Ransbottom; brother-in-law, John Smith; and in-laws, Leonard and Irene Jolly.

Tom's life was one of curiosity, creativity, service, and love. He taught people to believe in their ideas, to work with their hands, to keep learning, and to never be afraid to think a little bigger. More importantly, he taught by example how to love your family, serve your community, and make the most out of life.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00a Monday, October 12, 2026 at Rockford United Methodist Church, 202 South Franklin Street, Rockford, Ohio with Pastors Chip Steffy and Bill Halter officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2:00p - 7:00p Sunday October 11, 2026 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882. Friends may also call one hour prior to the funeral service, from 10:00a - 11:00a Monday October 12, at Rockford United Methodist Church.

Contributions in memory of Tom may be given to the Rockford United Methodist Church building fund, 202 South Franklin 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 Thomas Deroy Ransbottom's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/05/2026

Michael Dean Henkle

Michael Dean "Mike" Henkle, 75, of Rockford, Ohio passed away early Friday morning, October 2, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born September 10, 1951 and he was the son of the late Thorsen and Helen (Burris) Henkle.

On July 28, 1990 Mike married the former Linda Oecsle who survives.

Mike worked as an autobody technician for many years and enjoyed working on anything and was always up for a good challenge to fix things.

Mike enjoyed riding his motorcycles through his years. He also loved riding horses, and especially going to horseshows with his children. He loved classic cars, and was known to scan the autotraders for a good bargain. Mike was a 4-H advisor for many years. He was a member of the Rockford Fraternal Order of Eagles Post 1292. Mike was also a member of the Celina Moose Lodge 1473.

During his retirement, he continued his joy with his hobbies and loved spending time watching his grandchildren play sports.

In addition to his wife, Linda, he is survived by a son, Stacey Henkle of Rockford, Ohio; a daughter, Kelly (Jason) Clemens of Grand Rapids, Ohio; a daughter, Danielle (Ryan Moore) Bailey of Casstown, Ohio; two sisters, Linda Hart of Rockford, Ohio and Connie Marbaugh of Willshire, Ohio; six grandchildren, Macy (Caleb) Kinney, Meg Henkle, Cora Moore, Townsend Clemens, Quentin Clemens, and Jaden Clemens; and one great grandchild, Kollyns Kinney.

Along with his parents, Mike was preceded in death by a brother, Steven Henkle.

Funeral services will be held 7:00 pm Friday evening, October 9, 2026, at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882, with Pastor Ken Meyer officiating. A private burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery at a later date.

The family will welcome visitors prior to the funeral service, Friday October 9 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm 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.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Getting Back Up (for accommodations for those with spinal cord injuries).

DONATE BY MAIL:

Getting Back Up

2720 Horseshoe Blvd.

Westlake, OH 44145

https://www.gettingbackup.org/

View Michael Dean Henkle's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/23/2026

Mary Louise Permann

Mary L. (Doner) Dietrich Permann, 90, of Rockford, Ohio passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026 in her home of almost 70 years. She was born June 7, 1936 in Van Wert, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late George and Leah (Thatcher) Doner.

Mary graduated high school from Hoagland-Jackson. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church (Hopewell Township).

She married her first husband, Norman L. Dietrich, in August of 1955. Norman preceded her in death in December of 1997.

Following the passing of Norman Dietrich in 1997, Mary then married her second husband, Leroy Permann, in 2006. Leroy preceded Mary in death in July of 2019.

Along with her parents, George and Leah Doner, her first husband, Norman Dietrich, her second husband, Leroy Permann, Mary was preceded in death by her son with Norman Dietrich, Steven "Peach" Dietrich. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Kwascigroh, her brothers, James Doner and Charles Doner, her son-in-law, John Dugan, and her step-granddaughter, Megan Jeffries.

Remaining to cherish Mary's memory are her three daughters from her marriage to Norman Dietrich, Kelly (Chad) Urick, Dawn (William) Jeffries, and Amy Dugan; Steven's Dietrich's wife, Angie Felger; step-children from her marriage to Leroy Permann, Mark L. (Beth) Permann and Julie Permann; three siblings, John Doner, Jerry (Carla) Doner, and Janet Strobel; 7 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren; and multiple great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Adam Poe officiating. Upon conclusion of the memorial service guests are welcome to proceed to St. John's Lutheran Church - Hopewell for a luncheon.

The family requests no memorial contributions at this time.

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 Mary Louise Permann's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.