Robert F. Ely

Robert F. Ely, 97, of Bolivar, died Sunday, December 14, 2025 at The Inn at University of Massillon. Born October 8, 1928 in New Bedford, Ohio, he was a son of the late Fred R. and Gladys (Schlarb) Ely. He was a 1946 graduate of Baltic High School and worked in farming, cheese making, a brick company, was part owner of B&D Feed Service and worked as a mechanic for Baker Highway Express at Dover. He then retired from Beaver Excavating Co. in Canton. Bob was a member and past Elder at St. John UCC in Bolivar, a member of Tri-County and Penn-Ohio Model A Club and the Bolivar Sportsman's Club. On June 3, 1951 he married the love of his life, the former Joyclin Kerns, who preceded him in death on November 16, 2024. They enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states and 10 foreign countries. Bob is survived by a daughter Donna Ely of Massillon, a daughter in law Sheree Sinclair of Canton, granddaughters Terra (Jon) Wonsettler of Massillon, Tana Ely of Massillon, great grandchildren Addison, Matthew, Olivia Wonsettler, Zaed Ely and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son Dale and a sister Nancy McIntire. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. John United Church of Christ in Bolivar. Pastor Don Perks will officiate and burial will follow in Ft. Laurens Cemetery in Bolivar. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until time of services at 11:00 AM. The Lebold-Smith Funeral Home in Bolivar is handling the arrangements. To share a memory, please visit the funeral home's web site. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ohio Hospice Foundation at 1900 Akron Rd. Wooster, Ohio 44691.