Robert Ransbottom

Robert Olen Ransbottom, 80, of Rockford, Ohio passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at his home. He was born March 20, 1943, in Van Wert, Ohio to Olen Claude and Mildred Onilee (Fast) Ransbottom. He was married Dec. 19, 1970, to the love of his life, Mary Kay Burke. Together, they shared 52 years of happy memories, creating a home and family that they loved.
He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Taylor University in 1965. He went on to earn his Master's Degree from Ball State University in 1970. He was proud of his four years playing varsity football at Taylor University. He was awarded All-Conference in 1964. He had a love of sports and their impact on the lives of young people.
He worked as an educator his entire career. He first taught at Portage Junior High School in Fort Wayne for four years. He then taught junior high math at Adams Central in Monroe for seven years. Finally, he moved to Parkway Local Schools in Rockford, Ohio where he served as principal in the junior high and elementary for 25 years. He continued his passion for impacting young people by serving as a football coach at Portage and Adams Central. He also was junior high athletic director at Parkway for a time. He was the curriculum coordinator for many years at Parkway. After retirement, he served eight years on the Parkway School Board and worked at Lee's Ace Hardware in Van Wert, Ohio.
He and his wife were members at Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert, Ohio for around 30 years. While a member there, he served on the church board and taught Sunday school classes for college and career and eighth grade. He also served on multiple committees. He and his wife are now members of First Missionary Church in Berne, where they have enjoyed participating in Sunday school and serving as greeters. His faith in Jesus Christ was an important part of who he was. His passion to impact young people’s lives continued in his service at the church.
In his community, he served for many years on the Rockford Tree Commission. He was a member of the Rockford Lions Club, and in 1995, he was named Rockford Citizen of the Year. He also served as a supervisor of student teachers for Wright State University.
He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Holly Jo (Travis) Miller of Bristol; and Heidi Kay (Gregory) Miller of South Bend; brother, Thomas (Neva) Ransbottom of Rockford, Ohio; sister, Nancy Smith of Van Wert, Ohio; and four grandchildren, Benjamin Miller; Gabriel Miller; Kyah Miller; and Onilyse Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Elliana Miller; brother-in-law, John Smith; and father and mother-in-law, Frank and Lydia Burke.
Visitation will be Sunday, April 16 from 2-8 p.m. at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio. A graveside funeral service will be held Monday, April 17 at 9 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery, 3750 US-33, Rockford, Ohio. Officiating will be Pastor Rick Schwartz. A celebration of life service will follow at 11 a.m. at First Missionary Church, 950 U.S. 27 S., Berne. Officiating will be Pastor Rick Schwartz and Pastor Clark Williman.
Memorials may be made to Parkway High School Athletic Department, 400 Buckeye St., Rockford, OH 45882 or Taylor University Athletic Department, 1846 S. Main St., Upland, IN 46989.
Arrangements provided by Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, Ohio. Online condolences may be made at www.ketchamripley.com.