Ronald Ray Badertscher worked for Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

Ronald Ray Badertscher, 82, passed away January 21, 2024, at the Mennonite Memorial Home. 

Ron was born July 14, 1941 in Bluffton, to Wilmer and Glenona (Hathaway) Badertscher who preceded him in death. On January 20, 1962 he married Sharlee Burge Badertscher who survives. 

He was a 1959 graduate of Bluffton High School and was a life-long member of St. John's United Church of Christ, where he held many roles. He retired after 42 years of dedication to Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. He was a member of the Bluffton Sportsmen's Club, where he served as president for a period of time. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and raising livestock. He also liked watching Ohio State University football, attending his children and grandchildren's events, and was always joking. He could often be found drinking coffee with his friends at McDonald's. Above all, he loved his family dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Sharlee Badertscher of Mount Cory; three children, Lori Dillon of Grand Rapids, MI, Mark Badertscher of Findlay, Cara (Kenneth) Reuille of Findlay; fourteen grandchildren, Tom (Kristin) Dillon, Bill Dillon, Virginia (Sam) Welk, John Dillon, Frank Dillon, Joe Dillon, Steve Dillon, Clare Dillon, Katie Badertscher, Luke Reuille,  Matthew Reuille, Olivia Reuille, Ava Reuille, Noah Reuille; great-granddaughters, Annie and Nora Dillon; and three siblings, James (Darlene) Badertscher of Leipsic, Robert (Vicki) Badertscher of Englewood, OH, and Mona (Joseph) Losh of Elida; and a step brother, Mike Foster. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Richard Badertscher and Denise Hendricks.

Services will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ of Bluffton with Rev. Jeremy Mann to officiate the service. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be Friday, January 26, 2024 at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services of Bluffton, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the hour prior to the funeral at the church.    

Memorial contributions may be made to Bridge Hospice or St. John's United Church of Christ.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/

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