He was born Ronald Eldon Betscher to the late Raymond and Anna (Both) Betscher in Mansfield, Ohio. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School, then enlisted in the US Army proudly serving the majority of his time in the Army Reserves. He retired as a Mechanical Engineer after 40 years of service with Ideal Electric. After retirement, when he wasn’t at the lake, Ron would visit Decker Depot in the morning for a cup of coffee. Then, he would stop by to see his grandchildren eating breakfast at 7:00 am before they left for school.
He married Diane Dougherty and they built a life together sharing fishing, boating, skiing and enjoying the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ron was the pillar of his family and the very definition of loyalty. Ron absolutely LOVED Christmas…giving to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The love for his family was ever-present, and he could rarely give a Christmas gift without crying. He immersed himself in the lives of his family and cherished every moment with them.
His most memorable time was in the 70s when his wife was diagnosed with MS. With an uncertain future and a thrifty budget, they escaped to Colorado and skied for 3 weeks straight. He tirelessly and devotedly cared for Diane until he was 82 years old, physically caring for her and tending to her every need until sickness prevented him from being her caregiver. Being a loyal husband, he continued to be by her side and would wake up to get to her at 8:00 am every morning and stay with her until 5:00 pm every evening. His devotion was remarkable.
Ron was an outdoorsman who loved to fish and duck hunt. He was a member of the Huskie Muskie Club and, at one point, held a record for the largest muskie caught at Clearfork Reservoir. He enjoyed boating his entire life and was a member of the Mansfield Area Power Squadron. His best days were spent on Lake Erie—from hanging out as a teenager to making a summer home after retirement—that is where you would find him. His boat became his summer home until his family began expanding with grandchildren and he decided to upgrade to a summer trailer. While he was at the lake, he would visit Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Clinton with coffee in hand, checking in with customers and getting the latest fishing report.
Ron loved skiing and was a member of the National Ski Patrol and Director of Ski Patrol at Clearfork. Many weeknights were spent on the slopes, always ending with a stop at Daugherty’s Mart to get a fireball for the trip home. His life was filled with endless days of skiing with the family and ski vacations.
Ron was an active father playing baseball in the backyard with his own and neighborhood children. The Lexington sports community was important to him. He was active in the Lexington Little League and a Lexington Little League All Star Coach. He was a member of the Lexington Athletic Boosters and was
instrumental in completing the project to install lights on the football field. He made many friends while a member of the Lexington Elks. He also served as President of the Board for Friendly House.
Ron is survived by his wife of 63 years, Diane Betscher; two children, Greg (Missy) Betscher and Beth (Tom) Traxler; four grandchildren, Zach Betscher, Elise (Jon) Watkins, Jake (Claire) Traxler and Jordyn Traxler; great-grandchildren, Henry and Hudson Watkins and a baby boy on the way; a sister, Barbara Windsor; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and many cherished family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Carol and Patricia Betscher.
Honoring Ron’s wishes, there will be no public service. A private family celebration of his life will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friendly House, 380 N. Mulberry St., Mansfield, OH 44903.
Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario is honored to serve the family.
