Robert Olen Ransbottom

Robert Olen Ransbottom, 80, of Rockford, Ohio passed away on April 11, 2023 at his home. He was born on March 20, 1943, in Van Wert, Ohio to the late Olen Claude Ransbottom and Mildred Onilee (Fast) Ransbottom. On December 19, 1970, he married the love of his life, the former Mary Kay Burke, who survives. Together, they shared 52 years of happy memories, creating a home and family that they loved. Robert 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. Robert was proud of his 4 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. Robert worked as an educator his entire career. He first taught at Portage Junior High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana for four years. He then taught Junior High Math at Adams Central in Monroe, Indiana 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. Robert was the Curriculum Coordinator for many years at Parkway. After retirement, Robert served 8 years on the Parkway School Board and worked at Lee's Ace Hardware in Van Wert, Ohio. Robert and Mary Kay were members at Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert, Ohio for around 30 years. While a member there, Robert served on the church board, taught Sunday school classes for College and Career and 8th grade. He also served on multiple committees. He and his wife are now members of The First Missionary Church in Berne, Indiana where they have enjoyed participating in Sunday School and served as greeters. Robert's 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, Robert 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. Robert also served as a supervisor of student teachers for Wright State University. In addition to his wife, surviving are two daughters, Holly Jo (Travis) Miller of Bristol, Indiana, and Heidi Kay (Gregory) Miller of South Bend, Indiana; one brother, Thomas (Neva) Ransbottom of Rockford, Ohio; one 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 a granddaughter, Elliana Miller, a brother in law, John Smith; and father and mother in law, Frank and Lydia Burke. A graveside funeral service will be held 9:00 am Monday, April 17, 2023 at Riverside Cemetery, 3750 US-33, Rockford, Ohio 45882, with Pastor Rick Schwartz officiating. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 am Monday, April 17, 2023 at First Missionary Church, 950 US Highway 27 South, Berne, Indiana 46711, with Pastors Rick Schwartz and Clark Williman officiating. Family and friends will be received from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Robert`s memory may be sent to Parkway High School Athletic Department, 400 Buckeye Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882, or to the Taylor University Athletic Department, 1846 South Main Street, Upland, Indiana 46989. To share in Robert's online memorial, please visit www.ketchamripley.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, 111 W. First Street, Rockford, OH 45882.