Jerome Bollenbacher, age 95, of Rockford, Ohio, was born to Victor and Martha (Fahncke) Bollenbacher on May 5, 1925 in Rockford, Ohio.

He died January 21, 2021 at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.

Jerome was the oldest brother to Lloyd, Don, Cliff and Jane. He grew up in Rockford, Ohio, graduating from Rockford High School in 1944. He was drafted into the US Navy, May, 1944 and served until May, 1946.

Jerome married Ruth Hassan on January 18, 1947.

Jerome was a farmer, co-owner of Bollenbacher Drainage and lived most of his life in Blackcreek Township.

Jerome was a faithful and devoted lifetime member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Rockford. His work as a member of the Consistory and Superintendent of Sunday School included several repeat duties through the years. He gladly volunteered at the church in whatever capacity he was needed. Jerome was also a member of Shanes Masonic Lodge #377.

Left to cherish a lifetime of memories are his four daughters: Kathy (Dave) Taylor, Rockford, OH, Lois (Jerry) Cox, Spencerville, OH, Cinda (Doug) Pontsler, Monclova, OH, and Peggy (David) Painter, Pitsburg, OH. Jerome was blessed in having 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, delighting with each addition and enjoying all of their activities until he was no longer able. Jennifer (Jason) Dietsch, Taylor and Jaden; Nikki (Mike) Etzler, Cole, Spencer, Campbell and Briggs; Kristi (Roger) Voisard, Quinci, Rhese and Sunni; Matt (Gina) Taylor, Stella and Ruby; Tim (Natalie) Cox, Jason, Rachel and Megan; Jared (Jamie) Cox, Dylan; Andrea (Ryan) Donley, and Maizy; Ryan (Sarah) Pontsler, David, Nathan and Noah; Aaron (Colleen) Pontsler; Abby (Grant) Burgess, Emerson and Addison; Cora (lan) Fleming. Jerome is also survived by his sister-in-law, Laurabel Bollenbacher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Martha, his loving wife Ruth, his siblings, Lloyd (Ruby) Bollenbacher, Don (Eileen) Bollenbacher, Cliff Bollenbacher and Jane (Vernon) Luginbill and twin granddaughters, Nora and Stella Burgess.

Jerome will be laid to rest in a private ceremony next to his wife Ruth who has been waiting on him since September 2, 2013.

We think that dad, grandpa, great-grandpa deserves a grand final send off, but he would never want anyone to gather and risk being infected with COVID-19.

If dad touched your life in any special way and you feel moved to honor his memory through a donation, one can be made in his name to St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 1538 Oregon Road, Rockford, OH 45882, and State of the Heart Care, 230 W. Main St., Coldwater, OH 45828.

The family would like to thank the wonderful health care professionals at State of the Heart Care who helped bring dad comfort as he made his final journey home. They would also like to thank the nurses, aides, and staff at The Laurels of Shane Hill for their wonderful care.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28.

To share in Jerome's online memorial, please visit www.kechamripley.com.

The funeral will be livestreamed at 10:00 AM Monday, February 1, 2021 and available for viewing at www.ketchamripley.com/obituary/Jerome-Bollenbacher.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, 111 W. First Street, Rockford, OH 45882.