Robert was a farmer all of his life. He previously worked as a school bus driver for Ashland City Schools. He later retired from Montgomery Township after working many years as a road supervisor. In his retirement he helped Chestnut Ridge Sewing deliver and set up long arm sewing machines. Robert was an Ashland County Senior Fair Board member for 18 years as well as a committee member of the Ashland County Baby Beef Club.
Robert loved his family, grandchildren and friends. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed farming and tractor pulls. He also enjoyed boating, fishing and coon hunting.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Ellen (Prosser) Keets; daughters, Kerri (Bryce) Thiel and Katie (Ryan) Ramsey; special nephew, Brian (Lisa) Keets; grandchildren, Westin Thiel, Hadley Thiel, Alex Ramsey and Isaac Ramsey; siblings, Martie (Deb) Keets, Marcia (Don) Puster, Beth (Dale) Barr and Sarah (Ken) Hastings; mother-in-law, Waneta (Needy) Prosser; sister-in-law, Martha (Keith) Crone; brother-in-law, Bill (Kathy) Prosser; numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews; and aunts, Barb Hart, Sue Keets and Linda (Bill) Raudebaugh.
Robert will always be remembered for his big bear hugs, hearty laugh and kind spirit.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022 at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 308 Claremont Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805. A service will follow at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ashland County Agricultural Society or to the Ohio FFA Foundation.
