Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home

10/27/2025

Sam Zizelman

Dale "Sam" Zizelman, 95, of Rockford, Ohio died Sunday, October 26, 2025 at his home. He was born March 13, 1930 and was the son of the late Albert and Thelma (Webb) Zizelman.

On June 30, 1951 Sam married the former Lucille Felver, who preceded him in death on November 30, 2023.

He graduated from Rockford High School in 1948. Sam went on to serve in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. After leaving the Army, he worked as a warehouse manager at Stokley's for fourteen years, then as a group leader at Huffy's for four years. Sam went on to become the warehouse manager at Fremont Company (formerly Sharp Canning Company) for over twenty-six years. Sam was also a member of the Rockford United Methodist Church.

Surviving are a son, Mark Alan (Kathy) Zizelman of Celina, Ohio; a daughter, Vicki (Barry) Clay of Celina, Ohio; a brother, Robert (Elaine) Zizelman of Mendon, Ohio; five grandchildren, Ryan Clay of Rockford, Ohio, Brent (Nikki) Clay of Celina, Ohio, Melissa (Lucus) Minnich of Rockford, Ohio, Corey (Garratt) Zizelman of Columbus, Ohio, and Kyle (Julie) Zizelman of Washington State; and eleven great grandchildren, Camdyn, Cooper, Makynlie, Maylie, Holden, Hudsen, Sienna, Kruz, Taylor, Trevor, Adeline, and Xander.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Lucille, Sam was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Dale Zizelman, and a brother, Albert Zizelman, Jr.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 am Tuesday November 4, 2025 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 45882.

The family will receive friends prior to the funeral service, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am Tuesday November 4, 2025, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Sam's memory may be made to Everheart Hospice, 1350 North Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331.

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 Sam Zizelman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/26/2025

Elmer Roehm

Elmer C. Roehm, 82, of Willshire, Ohio died Friday October 24, 2025 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born August 31, 1943 in Decatur, Indiana and was the son of the late George and Edith (Gribler) Roehm.

On May 22, 1992 Elmer married the former Ruth Ann Smalley, who preceded him in death on September 7, 2018.

Elmer was a member of the first graduating class of Parkway High School in 1962. He was a truck driver for Central Soya. Later Elmer went on to work in maintenance at Central Soya, which became Bunge Company, until he retired from Bunge. After retirement, he drove truck for Lehman's Feed Mill. Elmer owned race horses and enjoyed racing ponies. He also enjoyed fishing, and he never turned down a Twix candy bar. Elmer treasured time spent with his beloved cat, Putty. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving are Elmer's son, Kerry (Debbie) Roehm of Rockford, Ohio; daughter, Annette (Jeff) Brehm of Celina, Ohio; brother, Eugene (Linda) Roehm of Rockford, Ohio; four sisters, Paula Bradtmueller of Hoaglin, Indiana, Eleanor (Tom) Howell of Toledo, Ohio, Frieda (Bill) Stober of Rockford, Ohio, and Lucille (Mike) Grunden of Celina, Ohio; four grandchildren, Amanda (Jordan) Henkle, Austin Dugan, Kameron (Maggie) Roehm, and Madison (Kyle) Moellenkamp; and eight great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife Ruth Ann, Elmer was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Haugk, and his brother in law, Lloyd Bradtmueller.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Friday afternoon, October 31, 2025 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882 with Pastor Matt Overman officiating. Private family burial will take place at Zion Lutheran-Schumm Cemetery in Willshire, Ohio.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm Friday, October 31, 2025 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions in Elmer's memory may be made to the organization 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 Elmer Roehm's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/17/2025

Karen Fuson

Karen G. Fuson, 70, of Rockford, Ohio died Tuesday evening, October 14, 2025 surrounded by family at her home. She was born September 23, 1955 in Frankfort, Kentucky and was the daughter of Josie (Walker) Severt of Rockford and the late Alfred Lacy.

In 1977 Karen married Larry L. Fuson who preceded her in death January 20, 2023.

Karen enjoyed watching Nascar races and wrestling. She loved the outdoors, especially going to Laurel River Lake, Kentucky to go fishing. But her favorite time was spent with her grandchildren, whom she loved and worshiped.

In addition to her mother, surviving are two sons, James "Jimmy" (Lori) Weitz and Michael (Laken Wafford) Fuson; two sisters, Linda and Billy Jo; three brothers, Doug (Crystal), Ron (Zalinda), and Shawn; grandchildren, Dalton Fuson, Daine Valdez, Dakota Fuson, Daylen Fuson, Kianna Creeden, Josh Norris, and Zach Norris; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father, Karen was preceded in death by her brothers. Tim and Don Lacy.

Graveside services will be held 11:30 am Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Riverside Cemetery, 3133 US Route 33, Rockford, Ohio 45882, with Pastor Bill Halter officiating.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

To help defray costs, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the family, in care of Jimmy Weitz.

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 Karen Fuson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/15/2025

Michael S. Perry

Michael S. Perry, 71, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at his residence. He was born July 1, 1954, in Portland, Indiana to Robert Perry and Elois (Brewster) Wilson.

He retired from General Electric after many years of service. Having worked in Decatur and Ft Wayne.

He is a graduate of Crestview High School, Convoy, Ohio, and a member of the Decatur Moose Lodge.

Michael is survived by his sister, Marsha Perry of Willshire; a brother, Robert Perry of Fairbanks, Alaska; nieces and nephews, Richard S. (April) Perry, Randall Perry and Julia (Carter) Arnold; and 9 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no public services.

Memorials may be directed to the Boys and Girls Club of Decatur, 410 Wi******er St, Decatur, IN 46733.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, 111 W. First St, Rockford, Ohio.

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

10/12/2025

Terry L. Joseph

Terry L. Joseph, age 73, of Rockford, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025. Born on June 3, 1952, in Saint Marys, Ohio, Terry lived a full life, marked by his service as a proud veteran in the United States Army, specifically with the 173rd Airborne during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he dedicated over 30 years of hard work at Central Soya in Decatur, Indiana.

Terry was a devoted family man, survived by his beloved wife Mary Jo (Kuhn) Joseph, whom he married January 22, 1972, and his children, Jeremy (Amy) Joseph of Rockford and Jennifer (Mike) Langenkamp of Rockford. He cherished his role as a grandpa to Devin (Kaylie) Joseph, Noah (Alexis Wannemacher) Joseph, Claire (Ethan) Fischer, Collin Langenkamp, Cami Langenkamp, and Calie Langenkamp, as well as his great-grandchildren, Jessa and Spencer Joseph, and sister, Gloria Joseph of Decatur.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald Joseph and Betty (Coats) Coombs; and a brother, Gary Joseph.

A member of St. Teresa Catholic Church in Rockford, Terry also enjoyed being part of the Rockford American Legion and the Celina V.F.W. He had a passion for woodworking, loved riding his three-wheeled bike, walking his dog Teddy, and attending auctions with his son. Most importantly, he was a devoted supporter of his grandchildren, always present at their sporting events and activities.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Rockford, with Father Adam Berning, officiating. Burial will immediately following in St. Mary Cemetery in Celina.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, Ohio.

Preferred memorials may be directed to the Rockford American Legion.

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

Arrangements and Services have been entrusted to Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, 111 W. First St, Rockford, Ohio.

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

10/03/2025

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10/03/2025

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09/15/2025

John Lay

John Andrew Lay went to be with his Lord on September 13, 2025. He was born to Paul E. Lay and Freda J. (Mathewson) Lay on February 2, 1959.

John had 7 sisters: Peggy (Ralph) Bakle, Dianne (Richard) Holland, Patricia (David) Carteaux, Kristine (Keith) Kettering, Janet (Daniel) Minnich, Laura (Edward) Snyder, and Carol (Jerry) Byram; and 4 brothers: David Lay, Jim (Kathy) Lay, William (Amy) Lay, and Clinton (Jill) Lay. He also had many nieces and nephews. John also had two life long friends in Rick Pontsler and Dan Baker.

John loved creating music and was very artistic. He was an inspiration for his love of all music and different forms of art. He loved collecting antiques, knick knacks, and tchotchkes. He will be missed by his family and friends.

There will be a private memorial gathering at a future date.

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 John Lay's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/29/2025

Patricia Patrick

Patricia Ann "Patty" Patrick, 54, of Rockford died Thursday morning, August 28, 2025 at Divine Nursing and Rehabilitation of Shane Hill in Rockford. She was born May 16, 1971 in Lima, Ohio and was the daughter of Mary (Cobos) Aguirre and the late Robert Aguirre.

Patty was a kind soul who loved meeting people and having conversations with others. She worked at Road Dog in Rockford for many years. She loved this job because it allowed her to visit with a lot of people. Patty also had a love of country music. She was always trying to find a music festival to attend. But the light of her life was her grandchildren.

Surviving are Patty's mother, Mary Aguirre; her companion of 31 years, Bill Downey; one son, Trey Patrick; three sisters, Cindy Pocan, Linda Fuson, and Debbie Aguirre; and two grandchildren, Lily Patrick and Rowan Patrick.

In addition to her father, Patty was preceded in death by three brothers, Bob Aguirre, Ruben Aguirre, and Tom Aguirre.

All services will be private.

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 Patricia Patrick's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/14/2025

Lois Clutter

Lois E. (Custer) Clutter, 92, of Rockford died Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Tranquility of Rockford, surrounded by her family. She was born October 10, 1932 in Ohio City and was the daughter of the late Elba and Violet (Smith) Custer.

On May 31, 1953 Lois married Franklin D. Clutter, who preceded her in death on October 28, 2002.

Lois was a 1950 graduate of Ohio City Liberty High School. She was a lifelong member of the Olive Branch Church of God. She served on several church committees, including the Olive Branch WCSC. Lois never knew a stranger. She always showed up for her family, and considered everyone a friend. Along with her husband, Lois served as a 4 H advisor in Rockford. Lois and Franklin were also members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. She was known as a baker, primarily for her pies and cookies. A lot of people referred to Lois as "the cookie lady". She had a proud tradition of entering her pies in the Mercer County Fair pie contest for the past 27 years.

She is survived by three sons, James "Jamie" (Corrie) Clutter, Nathan Clutter, and Neil Clutter, all of Rockford; two biological grandchildren, Austin (Trinitey) Clutter and Emily (Jonathan) Adkins; one biological great grandson, Carson Adkins; and several children that Lois loved as her own grandchildren and great grandchildren, Kaitlin, Allison, Alexis, Paige, Kaden, Brooklyn, McKenna, Liliyan, Laken, Eleanor, and Emersyn.

In addition to her parents and husband, Lois was preceded in death by her brother, Rolland Custer; sister-in-law, Carolyn Custer; and her daughter-in-law, Debra Clutter.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 W. First St., Rockford, Ohio, with Pastor Tyler Watson officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ohio City.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm Monday August 18, 2025, as well as one hour prior to the funeral service, at the funeral home.

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

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

View Lois Clutter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/06/2025

Linda Warthman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Linda "Lou" Warthman, who left us peacefully on August 5, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on April 4, 1948, in Van Wert, Linda was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Linda was a proud mother who brought two families together through her marriage to Mike "Barney" Warthman on July 4, 1992, after the passing of her first husband, Eddie Shope, in 1989.

A devoted member of the Rockford Belle Community Church, Linda brought warmth and kindness to everyone she met. She dedicated many years of her life to working at Huffy, but her true joy will always be her daughters, Nicole and Melissa.

She is survived by her beloved husband Mike "Barney" Warthman of Willshire; her daughters: Nicole (Les) Bearman of Ottoville; Melissa (John) Shaffer of Celina; Abby Warthman of Ohio City and Alisha (Brad) Fisher of St. Marys; her son, Cain (Deanna) Warthman of Convoy as well as her grandchildren: Aleyah, Avery, Ebony, Boyd, Maggie, Otto and Kipp.

In addition to her first husband, Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Clair Pete and Edith Evelyn (Fowler) Frye and many loving family members.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home with Pastor Dustin Leimgruber officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday. Linda will be laid to rest privately in Riverside Cemetery.

In honor of Linda's warmth and friendly spirit, the family requests that attendees dress in casual attire.

To share in Linda's online memorial, please visit www.ketchamripley.com.

Arrangements by Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home.

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

07/12/2025

Carol Pierstorff

Carol Rose Pierstorff, age 83, of Celina, Ohio-lovingly known as Rose-passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Rose brought joy and laughter to everyone who knew her.

Born on February 4, 1942, in Willshire, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Mable (Manley) Miller. Rose graduated from Willshire High School and, in December 1960, married the love of her life, James Pierstorff. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and community as longtime members of St. John Lutheran Church in Hopewell.

Rose took great pride in her work at Huffy and found joy in simple pleasures. She enjoyed collecting Longaberger baskets and Precious Moments figurines, but her greatest happiness came from time spent with family. She shared an especially close bond with her son, Michael, and her grandchildren, Kalyn and Cody, who were the heart of her world. Known for her playful nature and quick wit, Rose had a special way of making others smile-often through a teasing joke or lighthearted remark.

She is survived by her son, Michael Pierstorff of Celina; grandchildren, Cody Pierstorff of Celina, Kalyn (Ben) Kaufman of Columbus; and great-grandson, Leo Robert James Kaufman. She is also survived by her siblings: Rex (Dee) Miller of Florida, Donnie (Susie) Miller of Rockford, Mary "Kate" (Archie) Hill of Fort Wayne, and Sharon (Jerry) Agler of Tennessee, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, James Pierstorff; and her brother, Merrill "Bub" Miller.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford with Pastor Adam Poe presiding. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation hours from 4 to 7 PM on Monday, July 14, 2025, and again one hour prior to the funeral, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, on Tuesday July 15, 2025 at the funeral home.

To share in Rose's online memorial, please visit www.ketchamripley.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home.

View Carol Pierstorff's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.