Ralph E. Croninger, 98, of McClure, Ohio died peacefully on Thursday, February 9th, 2023 at Grand Rapids Care Center surrounded by his family. He was born April 24, 1924 in Grelton, Ohio to the late Willis and Martha (Zook) Croninger. On June 19th, 1943 he was married to Betty Lou (Conn) Croninger in Whitehouse, Ohio and she preceded him in death on October 26, 2016.
Ralph was a 1942 graduate of McClure High School. He was raised and helped on the family farm, co-owned and operated H&R Builders with Harold Rettig, worked at Johns Manville, and retired from Tenneco. He was a 34-year member of the Damascus Township Volunteer Fire Department.
He was a member of the McClure United Methodist Church and Damascus Township Historical Society. He was an avid hunter and after retirement enjoyed traveling with Betty.
He is survived by his children, Mary (Herb) Owens of Alamogordo, New Mexico, Judy (Denver) Geitgey of Grand Rapids, Ohio, Robert (Bonnie) Croninger of McClure, Ohio, Thomas (Cathy) Croninger of Bowling Green, Ohio, Jack (Barb) Croninger of Wauseon, Ohio and Tim (Lori) Croninger of Adrian, Michigan; 18 grandchildren; 46 great grandchildren; 26 great-great grandchildren, 1 great-great-great grandchild, plus 1 great-great grandchild on the way. He was also preceded in death by a son, Richard Croninger; infant son, Nathan Croninger; grandson, Ryan Croninger; and siblings, Raymond Croninger, Willis Croninger, Reba Dachenhaus, and Clara Hockman.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 at the McClure United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Monday from 3-8 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, McClure and Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. at the McClure United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Damascus Twp. Fire & Rescue, Damascus Twp. Historical Society, or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.rodenebrgergray.com.
