Richard Charles Baltzly
ZANESVILLE: Richard Charles Baltzly died peacefully in his own home around daybreak on Saturday July 13, 2013 after a brief illness. He was 79 years old.
Richard was born on October 20, 1933, the only child of Merle (Welsh) Baltzly and Charles Baltzly. His father died when Richard was only five and he was raised by his mother and her parents. He graduated from old Lash High School in 1952. Richard served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959 and in the Reserves until 1963.
Discharged from active service, he caught the attention of Linda Jean Knight and the couple were married in June 1960. Linda was completing her teaching degree at Ohio University at the time and encouraged Richard to take some classes on the GI bill. He excelled in history and completed his degree from OU with honors in 1972. He took a position teaching eighth-grade US History in Maysville schools, eventually retiring in 1993.
Before the tyranny of standardized testing came to dominate our schools, Mr. Baltzly taught a class that brought the subject alive. His profound knowledge of the persons and events of American history, combined with his storytelling ability, wove a narrative of our country capable of engaging even the most bored of teenagers.
In addition to history, Richard loved gardening, the outdoors, Dixieland jazz, sports-even the poor approximation of baseball played by his beloved Chicago Cubs-and trips to Australia to see his son and daughter-in-law. He was a member of Rolling Plains United Methodist Church, where he served as head usher for many years. He was also a stalwart of the Methodist Men's group and frequently organized the Veterans Day observance for the men and women of the armed forces, whose service he always honored.
Richard's family was small and close-knit. He was preceded in death by his mother, Merle Baltzly, and his mother-in-law, Iva Knight.
He is survived by Linda, his wife of 53 years; and Linda's sister Karen Lambert; along with her son Jason (Courtney) Lambert, all of Zanesville. He is also survived by his only child Dirk Baltzly and his wife L. Elaine Miller, who reside in Hobart, Australia.
There will be no calling hours. Instead, a memorial service to celebrate Richard's life will be held at Rolling Plains United Methodist Church on Friday July 19, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Geoff Geyer will officiate.
The family is grateful to Genesis Hospice Care, who made it possible for Richard to die just as he had lived-exactly on his own terms.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions made be made to Rolling Plains-Bethel Mission in Putnam.
William Thompson & Son Funeral Home in White Cottage is assisting the family with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
. . . so many great memories of "Richard the Great" at school, at Rolling Plains Church, and in the neighborhood . . . Drafting the kids to acolyte (or me to sing for patriotic Sundays) at RPC, a veritable plethora of memories at Maysville Junior High (many documented in my poetic tribute to Dick in "Richard at the Cards," and the shared bounty of his garden. It's hard to believe that he's been gone ten years. His intellect, humor, and kindness will never be forgotten! -Gary and Sharon Stall
Gary and Sharon Stall
July 30, 2023
Its been 10 years since Mr.Baltzly passed, hugs to Mrs. Baltzly and his son Dirk. Mr. Baltzly had a big impact on many of students at Maysville and many remember his interesting class.
RIP always fondly remembered by me.
Jill Gamble/Thompson
Class of 1980
Jill Gamble/Thompson
School
July 10, 2023
While he had a gruff exterior, he had a softer side that a lot of students may not have taken the time to find. He was always very kind and fair to me, and he will be missed. Dirk, my prayers are with you and your mom. May God bless you and comfort you.
Jodi O'Connell
August 11, 2013
I just learned of Mr. Baltzly's death. My heart, my thoughts and my prayers go out to the family. I remember him in school and at church. He was truly a man with a big heart.
July 20, 2013
Mr Baltzly was a great man a and a good teacher I never had a class with him but went to the wrong room one time and it was his class a blond moment thank you for all u did for Maysville jr High RIP Steve Waldren aka ACE===1980
steve waldren
July 20, 2013
We just learned of Dick's passing today and are greatly saddened. The world lost a very special man. He will long be remembered by all who had the privilege to meet him and enjoy his masterful story telling. What a privilege it was to work along side him at the National Road-Zane Grey Museum. To Linda and Dirk and the entire family, my deepest sympathy. May God grant all of you His special peace.
Dave Shinn
July 19, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda and the family at this difficult time.
Roy Sarbaugh
July 19, 2013
Our thoughts and prayer are with Linda and your family. Roy Sarbaugh family
July 19, 2013
Thoughts and prayers for for the family. You will be missed by all whose lives you have touched.
Devon Edwards ( Fisher)
July 19, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. A great man and a great teacher will be missed. And who could forget the wonderful jokes! We love you Mr.Baltzly!
Lisa Morrison-Dillinger
and the Joseph Morrison Family
Lisa Dillinger
July 19, 2013
Mrs. Baltzly & Dirk,
My deepest sympathies to your family! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I was lucky enough to have had you both as teachers and was impacted forever by you both! I was also a classmate with Dirk through our school years.
Susan Mahle Sims
July 19, 2013
RIP Mr. Baltzly! You were an AWESOME teacher and a great mentor! Thanks for your service to your country and for the many years you gave to us students as well! You will be missed. xoxoxoxo
Dawn (Hall) Desrosiers
July 19, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the Baltzly family. I used to work at Big Bear South and Richard was always ready with a story or some words of wisdom. He was one of a kind. Vickey Dupler
Vickey Dupler
July 19, 2013
Linda,Dirk and Elaine,
So sorry for your loss. Dick will be remembered by the many students who were privilaged to have him as their history teacher. Emily remebers Dick when she worked with Linda on school work and he would come home from "McDonalds" with coffee for himself but not always remembered to bring something home for Linda.
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Randy, Mary and Emily Glines
Mary Glines
July 18, 2013
Linda and Dirk.
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember the fun times that we had growing up in Broadvue. Especially the 3 families on top of the hill. The Baltzly's, the Brown's and the Smith's. From the early morning football practice and the Friday night games to the movies at the old Maysville Drive-In. From weeding strawberry patch and picking strawberries to make strawberry short cake and homemade ice cream and to all ofour birthday parties. We always had something going on when we where growing up. Even the little impromtu little plays that Eric and Dirk would put together using mine and Michelle's ponies. Dick would always refer to the as "dog food or glue." Dirk would refer to them in the same manner and Eric would be right there with them. We always knew Dick was teasing us. We would just pretend to be mad though.
I still have to this day a report that we had to due in his history class and of course mine was about a horse. With the grade was a remark about "dog glue or dog meat". He just could not help himself and after class I told him so and we both just laughed.
You our both in my thoughts and prayers.
Love -Danielle
July 18, 2013
COACH BALTZY was not only my fav teacher but my best football coach. he was a great influnce on my life,and in football life he helped me to teached my ball player the right way R.I.P coach. William R (BO) Butler
July 18, 2013
Sorry to hear of your loss. We guys went to football games with Dick and he often didn't understand why teams didn't use the third down quick kick more, so we called him quick kick Dick. Good times. Roger Russell
Roger Russell
July 18, 2013
Dick was such a gentle giant. Our heart goes out to you Linda.
Kurt and Leslie Colopy
July 17, 2013
My sympathy goes out to Dick's family. Dick will be greatly missed by his Rolling Plains church family- especially the men's group.
Jim Wofter
July 17, 2013
Although I was only lucky enough to enjoy one class as a student in the former"junior high", that experience helped shape my appreciation for history and political science til this day. Mark Kaido Maysville----1979
July 17, 2013
Rest in Peace Mr. Baltzly, you truely were a great History teacher. Someone that made me open my eyes to the holocaust that went on and I will never forget you for that!! My sincere thoughts and prayers are being sent to the Baltzly family at this time. Doug & Mary (Dusenbery) Stemm
Mary Stemm
July 17, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sandy Peterson
July 17, 2013
Mrs. Baltzly and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, but I was one of the special ones that got to have both Mr. and Mrs. Baltzly as teachers. You were both great mentors and teachers. Being that I also went to church with you, I got to see that you lived your lives making people laugh, teaching, and genuinely caring about people. Thanks for the great lessons Mr. (and Mrs.) Baltzly!
Kristy Wilson
July 17, 2013
RIP Mr Baltzly you will be missed Scott 1985 maysville grad
scott goodlive
July 17, 2013
You will be missed by many.
Becky Jackson Bradley
July 17, 2013
I count it a privilege to have been able to teach with Mr. Baltzly. He was extremely knowledgeable about history and how to make it come alive for young people. He will be remembered for his quiet humor and the fact that he was a truly good man.
Linda Fleegle
July 17, 2013
Rest in peace, sir. You and your giant personality will be sorely missed.
Jenna D.
July 17, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Baltzly's passing. He was a great teacher and made History fun.
Condolences to all of his family and friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Teresa King (Hall)
Teresa King
July 17, 2013
Dear Baltzly Family: May the comfort of Christ be with you during this loss. I loved history class with him. He made it so fun. I enjoyed him as a teacher.
David Miller
David Miller
July 17, 2013
He was by far one of the best teachers at Maysville. Well known for his knowledge as well as his humor. He will be missed. I learned so much of what I teach my daughter about history from him. RIP Mr. B
Corey Blanton 1987 Maysville Grad.
July 17, 2013
Dear Mrs. Baltzly,
Mr. Baltzly was also a favorite teacher of mine. My heart goes out to you; he was a lovely man, and I am so very sorry for your loss.
Kathy Luman
July 17, 2013
I send my deepest sympathy at the passing of one of my favorite teachers. He made History come alive. May he rest in God's peace. Jeanann(Todd)Dickerson Class of 73
July 17, 2013
He was a Great Teacher. I enjoyed his classes.
Larry Pinkerton
July 17, 2013
Superb teacher! Condolences to the family.
Joshua McIntosh (MHS 1991)
July 17, 2013
American History genius, one of the greatest teachers at Maysville. RIP
Tina Kirkbride-Filler
July 17, 2013
So very sorry for your loss; prayers to the family. Mr. Baltzly was the best teacher I ever had. He made an impact on every student. R.I.P. Nancy Palmer class of 82.
July 17, 2013
One of my favorite teachers,he really made history come alive and made it fun as well !
Mike Anderson MHS Class of '85
July 17, 2013
Dear Mrs. Baltzly,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss and wish to express my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
I was one of those "bored teenagers" that had the great pleasure of being on the receiving end of many of Mr. Baltzly's stories. Great memories!
May God bless you and your family during this time and always,
Tom Wilson (Class of 75)
July 17, 2013
one of the best, I will never forget what a great teacher and wise person he was the world needs more people like him.
Jason Bright
July 17, 2013
Linda and family,
Thinking of you in the loss of Dick. He was such a wonderful person and will be sadly missed. Our sympathy is with you and also our prayers. Chase Bryan(one of Dick's former students) and Linda Bryan
July 17, 2013
He was a wonderful teacher, one of my favorites. I loved his 8th grade history class and learned so much from him as he brought history to life and made it interesting. I still to this day remember many interesting quotes he said to us, even after 30 years. He will be greatly missed. He was a great teacher.
Melody Martin (class of 1987)
July 17, 2013
Prayers going out to his family..loved him as a teacher..Amy Reynolds Headley Class of 91
July 17, 2013
You were a wonderful teacher. You made Ohio History interesting to an 8th grade girl. May God comfort and keep you. Susan Farus-Brown, MHS class of 1993
Susan Farus-Brown
July 17, 2013
He was a wonder teacher! My condolences to his family.
Bonita Caw Gerber (class of 1990)
Bonita Gerber
July 17, 2013
He was a great teacher! My condolences to his family.
Bonita Caw Gerber (class of 1990)
Bonita Gerber
July 17, 2013
I have warm memories of class with Mr. Baltzly. I am sending light and love to Linda and the rest of his family. Sonya Harry class of '92.
Sonya Harry
July 16, 2013
So sorry for your loss.
Stephen Jones
July 16, 2013
To Linda and Dirk and family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Baltzly made an impression from first taking his class in the 70's right through today. I was lucky enough to introduce my children to him and occasionally bumped into him while out and about. He was a wonderful, wonderful man and teacher. He will be missed. Maysville '74
Peggy Weaver
July 16, 2013
I'M DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE NEWS OF THIS AMAZING TEACHER'S PASSING!! I WAS ONE OF THE LUCKY STUDENTS TO HAVE HIM IN HISTORY IN HIS FINAL YEAR OF TEACHING AND HE GAVE ME AN EXTREME PASSION FOR HISTORY!! YOU WERE THE MOST AWESOME TEACHER I HAD AT MAYSVILLE; THANK YOU FOR YOUR WISDOM, RESPECT, AND PASSION!! YOU WILL BE FOREVER MISSED!!
Bonnie Snyder-Adams
July 16, 2013
He was a one of a kind teacher. He left a lasting impression on every student. My prayers are with the family. Jon Mangin Class of 1982.
Jon Mangin
July 16, 2013
Thank you for the gift and love of history. I was blessed to have both Mr. & Mrs. Baltzly as teachers. You will be missed by thousands......all of your students. I remember your history stories like I was living them. Your teaching was a true gift and I am blessed to have been a small part of it. God bless.
charmain bateman-warren
July 16, 2013
prayers and thoughts are with the Baltzly family..he will be remembered by all in the Maysville School District such a great teacher and an awesome person
Doris Jones Kocher
July 16, 2013
Very nice man and a good teacher. He was one of the influences to the way I teach my students. My prayers are with you and your family.
Chris Shultz
July 16, 2013
Thank you Mr. Baltzly for your love & dedication to teaching an impressionable teenage girl. Condolences to the family.
July 16, 2013
My favorite teacher and a great guy. I always enjoyed talking with him. My prayers are with you. Class of 83 Amy Roberts
Amy Roberts
July 16, 2013
Greatest teacher i ever had made it all fun. prayers to the family he will be dearly missed
July 16, 2013
Mrs. Baltzly I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't think there was a student at Maysville who didn't like Mr. Baltzly. He was a great teacher. We all liked his little car that he drove and wondered how he was able to get in it. Class of 1974.
Cyndi Marek
July 16, 2013
Dear Linda and Family, Fred and I send our deepest sympathies to you. Our Moms loved you and Dick and felt you were great assets to the school system. We know Dick will be remembered with great affection by many.
Fred & Nancy (Eppley) Shaw
July 16, 2013
Sympathy to the family of Mr. Baltzly , I still have the love of history I learned in his class. What a wonderful teacher and man. MHS "CLASS OF 86"
Charles "Bubba" Perry
July 16, 2013
Great Teacher, Great Person! You will never know the impact you had on your students! One of a kind! You did it your way!
My Thoughts and prayers are with the family!!
Maysville Class of 78
Cindy (Balderson) Kelso
July 16, 2013
Im truely sorry for the loss of such and Great Man and Wonderful Teacher! He brought my 8th grade History class to me everyday with emotion and enthusiasm. He will never be forgotten!
With our thoughts and prayers
Heather Nigman (Ford)
July 16, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the baltzty family.Mr. Baltzy was one of the best teachers at maysville. It was a honor having him as my history teacher no one.could have done it better
laura larrick- Campbell
July 16, 2013
You can teach me & coach me again, when I get there.Prayers to all.
Ken Forsythe
July 16, 2013
I saw Mr. Baltzly a few years ago in public. Stickrath, he intoned, how are you? it had been at least 30 years since he had seen me. Did he leave an impression on me? Forever to treat people with respect. No matter how young.
Russ Stickrath
July 16, 2013
To my old friend Dick --the good times we had together; Armco Park, fishing and hunting and the nights at Mickeys--goodbye--Tom Erwine, Santa Ana Ca.
Tom Erwine
July 16, 2013
So sorry for the loss of Mr. Baltzly.
Molly Tubaugh
July 16, 2013
Praying for all of you during your time of sorrow.
Louanna Smallwood-Propst
July 16, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to your family.
Linda Tipton-Linn
July 16, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Mr Baltzleys passing. He impacted my life and made me love history. Prayers to the family
Lori (Kroft) Moore
July 16, 2013
Mr.Baltzly was an awesome teacher and he was an impressive man. I felt lucky to have had the opportunity to have both him and Mrs. Baltlzy as teachers...they gave so much to kids....RIP Mr. Baltzly
Jill Gamble/Thompson
July 16, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Such a great teacher and inspiration.
Brenda Crawford (Rusnak)
July 16, 2013
I am sorry for your families loss. Mr. Baltzly was very respected and appreciated as a teacher. I looked up to him & Mrs. Baltzly, they left a big impact on me as a student. Sending prayers to all of you.
Linda Rusnak Taggart {Class of 1980}
Mark Taggart {Class of 1978}
Mark & Linda Taggart
July 16, 2013
So sorry for your loss! He was a great teacher!
Joanie (Wood) Hamilton
July 16, 2013
So sorry to hear about Mr. Baltzly. I can honestly say he was one of my favorite teachers. And no matter how many years passed, and I would see him somewhere, he always knew me. He was a very nice man.
Julie Conkle
July 16, 2013
Mr. Baltzly was one of my favorite teachers at Maysville. Funny and insightful he made history interesting. You did not want to get cracks from Mr. Baltzly!
July 16, 2013
Linda, My sympathy and prayers of comfort for you and Dirk. Rejoice that he is with Jesus and we'll see him again soon. He was an inspiration to all the students he influenced. Class of 75.
Mike Moore
July 16, 2013
One of the few teachers who left impacts on so me and so many. Very unusual to say the least. keep the memories always near.
Janie Jenkins
July 16, 2013
Sorry to hear about Mr. Baltzly passing . He was a wonderful teacher. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Lori Smith
July 16, 2013
What a wonderful, honest, and respected man. It was a true pleasure having him as a teacher. Enjoyed every conversation with him. God bless.
Fred Curry
July 16, 2013
Mrs. Baltzly and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, but I was one of the special ones that got to have both Mr. and Mrs. Baltzly as teachers. You were both great mentors and teachers. Being that I also went to church with you, I got to see that you lived your lives making people laugh, teaching, and genuinely caring about people.
Thanks for the great lessons Mr. (and Mrs.) Baltzly!
Kristy Wilson
July 16, 2013
My condolences to Mr Baltzly's family. May God comfort you in your time of Mourning. I had Mr Baltzly as my history teacher at Maysville Junior High.
Marla Rucker Hartley
July 16, 2013
Heaven gained a great man, and we lost a wonderful mentor here on earth! You made a great impression on me and many others who met you along the way! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Eveland
July 16, 2013
TO the Family,
Mr. Baltzley was a great man. I remember him from school. My mother aslso had him as a teacher. His dedication for Maysville School District will be missed. We have the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris and Kim Balsley
July 16, 2013
I was a student of his in junior high, a member of the football team he coached, a teacher with him at Maysville. Dick had a way of keeping focused, engaged, and entertained! Oh the stories... RIP Dick. With sympathy to Linda and family.
Rick Higdon
July 16, 2013
HE WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE TEACHERS!!! KIM DILLON
July 16, 2013
RIP Your students will never forget you!
Class of 93
Jason Garvin
July 16, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Baltzly's passing. I had him as a teacher at the South Zanesville School and at the Maysville Jr. High School. I loved having him as a teacher. He made the class so interesting and such fun to be in his classes.
I will remember him always as that fun loving teacher. Sending prayers to all the family members. R.I.P. Heaven now has a great teacher :)
Terri Birkhimer
July 16, 2013
He was an awesome Teacher!!! He will be greatly missed. My heart and prayers go out to his family. :(
Jill Erwine
July 16, 2013
Great Teacher, I had his wife as my 5 th grade teacher, she was a great teacher also... Loved his " Dummy up" ...,
..... He & Mr. Stall inspired me to become a teacher.., 20 yrs and counting...
Jeff Addy class of 1985
July 16, 2013
My dear Lin, Our hearts our with you, Kirk and Elaine. When ever I think of Dick I will hear the church bells ringing at Rolling Plains. Love you.
Charlie & Marlene Daniels
July 16, 2013
What an amazing man - his class was always my favorite!! He made a huge impact on a lot of kids, including me. Rest In Peace Mr Baltzly! Thank you for the lessons in life.
Niki Musser Gill
July 16, 2013
Mr Baltzly was without a doubt one of the most compelling and comical teachers I had at Maysville. His insight into the world of history was unfounded. God bless you Mr B and to Linda and her family my deepest sympathies to all of you.
July 16, 2013
to Linda and fami;y so sorry to hear of Dick's passing ... may he be with our Lord and have no pain , i came to know thease very nice people as i worked at Steer-Inn and Eaglesticks ,, Prayers go out to the friends and family ,,, R.I. P. Mr. Baltzly
Kay Seastrand
July 16, 2013
A great teacher ill remember forever
Dave Calendine
July 16, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you . Mr. Baltzly made such a positive impact on so many of our lives .I never would have enjoyed History if it weren't for him . He will be greatly missed. God Bless.
Annette (Mangin ) Boykin
July 16, 2013
So sorry. Thoughts and prayers. He wasn't history teacher. You were Wright he always had a story.Lulu Wilson Lautzenheiser.
lulu lautzenheiser
July 16, 2013
I'm so sad to hear this news this man touched my life in so many ways. There was no excuse good enough you had a job to do, do it. His ability to teach History was unlike any other now or ever. He said what he meant and meant what he said. The funniest thing he ever said and there's not a Sept. goes by he don't cross my mind, Labor Day the one day all pregnant women must go into labor! Corny I know but that was our Mr. Baltzy! Rest in Peace you gentle giant you will be missed! Helen Brooks Maysville Class of 1988
Helen Brooks
July 16, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful man and teacher . You will be greatly missed by all.Our sympathies go out to Mrs. Baltzly and family .Debbie House
Maysville (class of 73) R.I.P
Debbie House
July 16, 2013
Baltzly Family, Dick was a wonderful man and extraordinary teacher! One of my all time favorites! Sending you all up in prayer.
Kelly Williams Tolliver
July 16, 2013
Sorry over the passing of Mr. Balztly we need more teachers like he was in today"s world .. you will be missed..thank you r.i.p
Debbie House
July 16, 2013
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