I was so grateful to have you. Thank you for inspiring us to be better.
And reminding us to laugh.
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We honor your memory and cherish the time we had with you.
To many cheerful memories over the years.
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Linda Ellen Cross, 74, of Galion, passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Galion Meadows. Linda was born to the late Chester and Arla (Oehlshlager) Cross on January 9, 1951, in Fostoria, Ohio.
After graduating from high school, Linda pursued higher education at Bowling Green State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree. She went on to enjoy a fulfilling 30-year career as a teacher at Crestline, dedicating herself to shaping young minds before retiring.
Linda was a lifelong learner with a deep passion for reading, particularly mystery novels. She cherished the joy of getting lost in a good book, where every page offered a new adventure.
Left to cherish Linda's memories are her nephews, David (Monique) Nelson, and Steven Nelson, great nephews and niece, Taylor and Dylan, and Sindy, all of Arizona. Close friends, Lynn Bishop and her children, Tony Lawhun and Heather Peters, as well as their children, Autumn and Kaleb, and good friends, Sylvia Hines and Vickie (Harold) Titus.
Along with Linda's parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Nelson.
Memorial contributions can be made out to the American Cancer Society or the Crawford County Humane Society.
Those wishing to share a memory of Linda or send condolences to the Cross family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
Ruth Ricker Ritchey passed away Sunday, Oct 5 at Mill Creek Nursing & Rehab Center in Galion, OH. She was 99 years old.Even at that age, Ruth was eager to meet new people and connect with old friends, so she delighted in life at Mill Creek where the warm, caring staff were wonderful and she was part of a community of residents.
Ruth and her husband, Dan Ritchey, raised four children — David Ritchey, Lee Anne (Terry) Shifley, Ruth Anne (James) Deppen and Dan Ritchey — and owned a photography studio, Photorama, in Galion. Ruth retouched photos and painted pastel oils of portraits.Dan Ritchey, her husband, passed away in 2017.
Ruth read inspirational books, sometimes in book clubs, and read materials from Unity Church. She practiced yoga throughout her adulthood. She enjoyed sharing her own personal spiritual insights with others.
A lifelong member of the First United Church of Christ, Ruth was active in church clubs and activities. Later she enjoyed reconnecting with church members who also lived at Mill Creek.
Stories abound about how Ruth helped people throughout her life. With her high school friends, Ruth founded the Happy Times Bridge Club, which played cards monthly from 1945 to 2012 – for 67 years.She kept a big scrapbook about her Galion High School Class of 1944 and its many reunions and members. She and Dan helped organize the events and kept in touch with classmates.
Ruth and Dan loved to travel and had crisscrossed the United States. They spent many winters during their retirement at Isla del Sol – an island near St. Petersburg, FL – that they loved. When they were younger, they had many vacations at Put-in-Bay, OH, on Lake Erie.Ruth enjoyed drawing and painting and she learned new artistic modes easily. She was part of a girls accordion musical group in the 1940s and played piano and sang throughout her life.
Ruth was a lifelong Galion resident. She and Dan promoted the local community, especially during the years they worked at the Galion Area Chamber of Commerce.Ruth knew what was most important in life — the eternal truths that connect us to all other people and living beings, and the loving ties we can make with everyone we meet.
She lived with keen awareness in the present moment. While some older people may withdraw into memories of what was, Ruth was more interested in making new friends and having new experiences. Survivors include her four children, mentioned above, and five grandchildren, Hal Shifley, Krisanna Deppen, Joe Deppen, Anthony Deppen and Jena Ritchey. She also is survived by three great-granddaughters, Louiza, Annabelle and Nora Deppen, and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Annie Shifley.
Ruth’s parents also preceded her in death – Ina Voleata Groh Ricker and Herman Ricker. Ruth’s siblings also passed away. They were Howard Ricker, Muriel Swaim, and Dorothy Schnelker.
A memorial service will be held at a future date.
Lori Murphy, age 55, of Galion passed away Tuesday October 7, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family.
Born January 30, 1970 in Galion, she was the daughter of the late James and Nora (Rapp) Montgomery. She married Scott Murphy on June 17, 1995 and he survives.
Lori was a 1988 graduate of Northmor High School. She worked for over 20 years at Anthony Lee Screen Printing in Crestline and more recently was the owner of Mom’s Buggy Rides. She spent her free time following the activities of her sons including Boy Scouts, Cross Country and the Swim Team. She enjoyed reading and loved her family.
In addition to her husband Scott, she is survived by her sons: Cody and Garrett Murphy, brothers: Lester (Judy) Montgomery and Ed (Jan) Montgomery, mother-in-law Catherine Murphy, sister-in-law Jodie (Dave) Jones, cousin Jerry Bishop and many nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers: Delbert, Larry and David (Kim) Montgomery.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Sunday October 12, 2025 at Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 218 South Market St., Galion, Ohio 44833 where services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday October 13, 2025 with Pastor Jack Kegley officiating. Burial will follow in Iberia Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.
Ronnie Clinton Thompson, Jr., 63, of Galion, passed away after a tragic accident on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. Ronnie was born in Grayson, Kentucky to the late Ronnie and Anna (Carpenter) Thompson on February 5, 1962.
He graduated from Crestline High School in 1980. Ronnie dedicated over 20 years to Kurtzman Sanitation.
One of Ronnie’s greatest joys in life was collecting Hot Wheels cars—a passion he nurtured for decades. His collection, carefully curated and lovingly maintained, was a testament to his appreciation for the small things that bring joy. He also had a lifelong love for treasure hunting and turning everyday objects into something special.
A devoted football fan, he proudly cheered for the Washington Redskins through every season, win or lose. But nothing brought him more happiness than time spent with his grandchildren. He was a constant source of love, wisdom, and laughter, whether it was sharing stories, playing games, or simply being present in their lives.
“The man, the myth, the Legend. The man with a heart of gold. One of the most resilient men I’ve ever known. Firm but fair, strong-willed yet kind-hearted. Gone too soon but never forgotten. The Lord was ready for you, but we were not. Always remember that you were never just a thought. Until we meet again, your new journey shall begin. We love you Dad, and we will always remember all the good memories that you brought.”
Left to cherish his memory are his children: Jeremiah (Kelli Chartier) Thompson, Jason (Helen) Thompson, and Roxie (Chris Freeman) Thompson; his siblings: Markita Cline, Daris Thompson, Melissa Schlairet, Sarah (Charles Chatman) Thompson, Nicole Siegenthal, and LaTonya Thompson; his stepmother, Judith Thompson; his grandchildren: Ava, Logan, Liam, Tristen, Landen, and Carleigh; as well as his bonus grandchildren: Tessalyn, Madison, and Kloe.
In addition to his parents, Ronnie is preceded in death by his brother, Tracy Thompson.
Friends may call on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Gompf Funeral Service- Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way North, Galion. The funeral service will immediately follow with Pastor Jeff Pennington officiating. The family is requesting that everyone attending wear purple in honor of Ronnie.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital for their exceptional care, support, and kindness during this difficult time.
Those wishing to share a memory of Ronnie or send condolences to the Thompson family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
On October 9, 2025 Barbara Jean (Fairman) Glover passed away suddenly. She was born in Columbus, Ohio on September 27, 1963 to the late Jimmie Earl Fairman and Mary Louise (Robbins) Back.
She was a mother, grandmother and friend to many. She was a faithful Steelers fan to the end. Her strong spirit, tenacity and the way she fiercely protected those she loved leaves a legacy with any she knew and she will be greatly missed. Barbara's grandchildren were her life. She enjoyed spending time with them when she could and spoiling them as a grandmother should. In her spare time she enjoyed making diamond art and helping run a Facebook group, devoted to the Pittsburgh Steelers called SteelerFans4Life. Barbara loved animals, especially her dog, Nova.
Barbara is survived by her son, Justin Fairman; her daughter, Summer Fairman; her grandchildren, Cadence, Morgan, Jayce and Emma. She also leaves behind countless family members and friends whom she treated as family.
To honor Barbara's life, the family will hold a Life Celebration at a later date.
Betty Jean Schreck, age 93, of Galion passed away Thursday October 9, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Born February 19, 1932 in North Fairfield, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Hazel (Merritt) Earl. She married Lawrence P. Schreck on December 18, 1950 and he preceded her in death.
Betty was a graduate of Ashland College where she met her husband Lawrence. Betty taught in the Galion City School System for 37 years and loved her many students. She was a member of: Friends of the Library, the Galion Golden Age Center, and the Euchre Club. Betty enjoyed reading, playing cards, shopping, auctions and garage sales. She and Lawrence enjoyed square dancing and singing. Betty was family oriented and enjoyed trips to visit her Mom and sisters as well as spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Betty is survived by her three children: Larry (Dorcas) Schreck, Frank (Glenda) Schreck and Julia (Michael) Schreck, six grandchildren: Lawrence Schreck II, Vanessa Schreck, Lori Schreck, Hilary Hartnett, Josh Miller and Janelle Mendiola, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, brother Robert (Judy) Earl, sister Irene (Joe) Merilees and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her three sisters: Edna (Lyle) Smith, Elsie (Rod) Righter and Roberta (Robert) Gray.
Betty is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Charles David Shepperd, age 94, of Galion passed away Tuesday morning October 14, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born November 14, 1930 in Perry County in the little town of Moxahala. He was the son of the late Charles and Alta (Vest) Shepperd.
Charles worked for Columbia Gas for over 30 years; to his fellow workers he was known as “Shep”. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Galion. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play any kind of sports.
He is survived by his loving wife Grace (Witter) Shepperd, son and daughter-in-law Mike and Ann Shepperd, daughter Michelle (Shepperd) Streeter, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law Doug Streeter.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM Friday October 17, 2025 at Biddle Cemetery, 6405 Remlinger Road, Crestline with Allen Thomas officiating.
The family would like to thank Avita Hospice who helped take care of him.