Ronald K. Ely

Ronald K. Ely, age 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 19, 2022. He was born on February 21, 1939 in Sidney, Ohio to the late Raymond Ely and Jeannette Motter Ely. On June 9, 1990 he married Alberta Phipps, who survives. He is survived by two sons, Kurt Ely of Columbus and Bart Ely of Ohio City; two daughters, Dana (Larry) Jones of Sidney and Gretchen (Mark) Schneider of Wapakoneta; and three stepsons, Gary (Charlotte) Phipps of Sidney, Matthew Phipps, of Wright Wyoming, and Michael (Michelle) Phipps of Wright, Wyoming. He also leaves behind a brother, Dennis Ely of Sanford, Florida; three sisters, Brenda (Kenneth) Frantom of Sidney, Diane (Gunther) Schell of Deltona, Florida, and Jill (Mark) Wesbecher of Bentonville, Arkansas; former spouse, Diane (Terry) Lee of Venice, Florida; eighteen grandchildren and twenty-three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Michael Ely.

Mr. Ely was a 1957 graduate of Sidney High School. He worked for many years as a toolmaker, primarily at Stolle Precision Tool Company. He was a devoted member of Sidney First United Methodist Church, where he served for many years as an usher and on various committees. He was a member of the Shelby County Agricultural Society and enjoyed serving several terms on the Fair Board. He also served for twenty-eight years as an Orange Township Trustee.

Mr. Ely was an avid gardener and delighted in sharing his produce with family and friends. He was a devoted family man, who loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also loved his canine companions, especially Charlie, his beloved Golden Retriever, often seen riding around town with him in his pickup truck.

A man with a generous heart, he will be greatly missed by family and friends.   

Funeral Services will be held Monday, June 27, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Sidney First United Methodist Church, 230 E. Poplar St. with Rev. Dr. David Chivington, officiating. Burial will follow at Plattsville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 26, 2022, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cromesfh.com

Memorial contributions may be made to Sidney First United Methodist Church or Shelby County Agricultural Society, 701 S. Highland Ave, Sidney, Ohio.

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