Ronald W. Smith

Ronald W. Smith
September 1, 1935 - August 30, 2024

   Ronald William "Bill" Smith, 88, of Deshler, Ohio died Friday, August 30, 2024 at the Meadows of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ohio.
   He was born September 1, 1935 in Deshler to the late Thomas and Etha (Hashbarger) Smith.  
   Ron was the youngest of nine children.  He was raised catholic and a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  He graduated in 1953 from Deshler High School.
   On November 12, 1955 he married Carol (Koppenhofer) Smith.  They shared over 58 years together and she preceded him in death on November 1, 2014.
   Ron worked for over 30 years at the former DeKalb Hybrids of Deshler.  The greatest enjoyment of his job was visiting with farmers and having the occasional beer to discuss how things were going.  After retirement, he worked a short time driving truck for Yarnell Bros., Deshler.
   What Ron may be most remembered for around Deshler was his daily routine of driving the streets and monitoring all the things going on in his small town.  He would take the same routes, around the same times and always greet people with a wave and a smile.  Certain friends and neighbors would certainly know when to expect his drive by or his visit.  
   He loved his family.  He particularly appreciated any time or visits he had with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  They will remember him for his countless compliments and his unconditional love.   
   He is survived by his three children, Randy (Marcia) Smith; Cathy (Rick) Vance; Russell (Leigh Ann) Smith; 12 grandchildren, Eric (Lisa) Smith; Patrick Smith; Tony (Erin) Vance; Nick (Amber) Vance; Loni Vance; Levi Vance; Kylie Kessler; Leah (Michael) Phillips; Jonathon Smith; Clorissa Smith; Marissa (Branden) Klingshirn; Trevor (Jaydan) Smith; 18 great grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Sharon Francisco-Watson and Marge Smith.
   He was also preceded in death by sisters, Bernadine Stanfield; Irene Ziegler; Lena Schwab; and brothers, Walter; Edgar; Donald; Robert; Thomas, Jr.
   Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024 at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler with Rev. Janine Shearer officiating.  Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler.
   Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024 at the funeral home.
   The family suggests memorials to the Deshler Edwin Wood Memorial Library.
   Messages and memories can be left for the family at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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