Ralph E. Kieffer

Ralph E. Kieffer, age 74, of Sherrodsville, Ohio, died early Saturday morning, February 17, 2018 in Aultman Hospital at Canton following a brief illness.

He was born December 1, 1943 in Murray City, Ohio and was the son of  the late Virgil R. and Esther M. Holcomb Kieffer.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by  two brothers, Richard and Willard E. Kieffer, Sr., and a sister Roberta Blackson.

He retired as a mechanic from  the Beaver Excavating Company where he was employed through the Ohio Operating Engineers Local #18 in Akron, Ohio. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, Ralph enjoyed spending his time hunting and fishing.  This last year, he missed his first deer season opening day since 1962. A well-known area horseman, he was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He bred, raised and showed Quarter Horses, and rode them in various competitions and barrel races.  Ralph will be missed by his family and many friends.. 

He is survived by his wife Viola Kieffer, whom he married May 9, 1997, his four children Cindy Brannon of Mineral City, OH, Tom Kieffer of Sherrodsville, Ralph Kieffer of Mineral City, 
and Mrs. Sherry (Darrel) McLaughlin of Leesville, OH, three step-sons and a step-daughter Rick (Sherry) Byrd and Tim (Diane) Byrd, both of Bowerston, OH, Tom Byrd, Jr. of Gnadenhutten, OH and Tammy (Chad) Hodkinson of Tuscarawas, OH, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.

Service arrangements for Ralph will be private and held at the convenience of the family. The Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville is handling arrangements.In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ralph's memory may be made to the Warren Township Community Center,  c/o Portia King, 8213 Lake Drive N.E. Mineral City, Ohio  44620. To leave an online condolence message please visit the funeral home website.

Baxter-Gardner
(740) 269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com

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