Ronnie Dean Coblentz, age 70, was called home peacefully on July 12, 2021 surrounded by his family. Ronnie was born on October 1, 1950 in New Madison, Ohio. He was the son of Floyd and Evelyn (Marker) Coblentz.
Ronnie was a 1969 graduate of Greenville High School, a 1973 graduate of Manchester University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and obtained his Masters Degree from Wright State University.
For 30 years, Ronnie was a dedicated 2nd grade teacher at Versailles Elementary School. Ronnie loved teaching, and it was a big part of who he was. After retirement, Ronnie continued to find ways to volunteer with children, including through his church, Oakland Church of the Brethren. Ronnie found creative ways of making learning fun, and he encouraged all his students to love learning. In recent years, his past students would remember him and tell him how much of an impact he made on their lives. He truly made a difference.
Ronnie loved the outdoors and shared that love with his children and grandchildren throughout his life. He was often found outside fishing at his pond, walking through his woods enjoying the wildlife, hunting, mowing, or tending to his chickens, pheasants, quail, and peacocks.
He also had a special talent with woodworking. Not only were his items beautiful, they also filled a purpose and need. He spent his last few years hand crafting wooden spoons and wooden leaves with specialty woods - they are treasures to behold! He took the time to share his techniques with his grandchildren when he was able. He could be found at the First Friday Artisan Walks these past few years on Broadway with his wooden wares.
Ronnie is survived by his wife Brenda (Atkinson) Coblentz whom he married 48 years ago on July 7, 1973. Ronnie and Brenda have three children: daughter Shawna (Kevin) Murphy of Louisville, Kentucky, son Micah (Christian) Coblentz of Greenville, Ohio, and daughter Sarah (Matt) Sutter of Greenville, Ohio. Ronnie and Brenda were blessed with eleven grandchildren: Jonah, Elijah, Sam Isaac, Eliza, Eleanor, Anna, Henry, Aden, Evelyn, Lyla, and Ray. He is also survived by his sister Janice (Kenneth) Mowry, brother Gary (Debra) Coblentz, sisters in law, Sylvia Atkinson, Betty (Dale) Huseman, and brothers in law Philip (Carol) Atkinson, Arthur (Linda) Atkinson, and numerous nieces and nephews who were all special to him. He had exceptional friends who were very much a part of his life, past and present. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Marilyn Cox Copley and a grandson, Zane Sutter. He was loved and cherished immensely.
There will be a memorial service for Ronnie at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Oakland Church of the Brethren 8058 Horatio-Harris Creek Road Bradford, Ohio with Pastor Andrew Wright officiating. The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday from 12:30 pm until time of the services in the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to EverHeart Hospice 1350 North Broadway Greenville, Ohio or Oakland Church of the Brethren Children’s Ministry.
Funeral arrangements by Zechar Bailey Funeral Home Greenville, Ohio.
Condolences for the family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com.
