Ralph E. “Hoot” DeWitt, 87, passed away on January 5, 2023 at Bridge Hospice in Bowling Green, surrounded by his family.
Ralph was born on May 26, 1936 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Ralph B. and Margaret Marie (Fisher) DeWitt. He graduated from Weston High School in 1954 and on February 17, 1956 married his high school sweetheart, Valerie Kendall DeWitt. She preceded him in death in 1999.
Ralph was an accomplished hard-worker beginning in childhood. He established his own construction business, DeWitt Builders and later became a regional distributor and builder for Hearthstone Log & Timberframe Homes. In addition, he and his wife established, owned and operated the flower shop and laundromat in Weston. He also worked for Cresset Chemical Company and Hawthorn Mellody Dairy prior to starting his own businesses.
For well over 40 years, Ralph served as mayor and on village council for Weston, taking great pride in his community in other capacities as well, which was recognized by the citizens of Weston when he was honored for his dedication.
He enjoyed spending time outdoors as shown through his love of fishing and primitive camping up north. Beginning in 1962, he and a lifetime friend (Bob Eschedor) formed the “Black Hole Gang” which has grown to include 3 generations of his family and many, many friends. He also liked to spend his winters in Fort Myers, Florida.
Ralph is survived by his daughter, Jodie (Scott) Domer; his son, Hal DeWitt; grandchildren, Ryan (Kelli) Euler, Joel (Emily) Domer, Halie (David) VanAllsburg, Stella (Weston Miller) DeWitt, and Wyatt DeWitt; great-grandchildren, Chase, Clara, Brooks and Ryker; and his “special friend,” Joretta “Jetty” Clapp.
He was preceded in death by his parents, spouse, and his sister, Esther “Cookie” Meyer.
He never met a stranger, and his stories, history and talks will be cherished forever by those who had the privilege of hearing them.
A memorial gathering for Ralph will be held on Friday, January 12, 2023 from 4 pm – 7 pm at Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, 1460 W. Wooster St., Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
Those wishing to make a contribution in Ralph’s honor are asked to consider the Weston Cemetery Tree Memorial Program.
Online condolences as well as fond memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.hanemanfuneralhomes.com.
