Ronald "Ron" L. Motsch

The patriarch of our family passed away last Friday evening. Ronald L. Motsch, our father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and friend said goodbye peacefully on September 19, 2025, and will be forever missed. He was 91 years young.

Born September 14, 1934 to Farrell H. and Betty J. Motsch in Lancaster, Ohio, he was a friendly man, as he and his twin brother, Rich, were fourth generation Lancasterians, and he seldom saw a person about town he didn’t know. With a pleasant word to share with whomever he was talking with, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and The Ohio State Buckeyes immensely, and took every opportunity to shoot the breeze on those topics at every chance.

His beloved wife of 70 years, Betty Irene, passed away last November, and Ron often spoke of how much he looked forward to being with her again. Their life together was filled with love, laughter, and devotion, and they remain a lasting example for our entire family.

Ron was a proud toolmaker and union man, spending more than 40 years with North American Rockwell, Western Electric, AT&T Technologies, and Nokia. He specialized in precision machining, where his skill and attention to detail were invaluable.

After retiring early, Ron quickly realized that “doing nothing” didn’t suit him. He built a woodworking shop in his backyard, hung a sign out front that read “Special Woods,” and began crafting birdhouses, dollhouses, Christmas sleighs, model furniture, and other wooden treasures. What began as a hobby soon grew into a thriving business, with his creations selling all across Central Ohio—though he often joked that visitors really came by for a slice of Betty’s pie.

Ron graduated from Lancaster High School with the Class of 1953 and cherished the lifelong friendships he made there, gathering with classmates often until recent years.

Ron leaves behind his two sons and their wives Ron (Marylou) and Randy (Kathy); five grandchildren, Grayson, Maddie, Emily (Andy), Hannah, and Zack; and great-grandson, Wilder.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, September 27th, at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 N. Columbus St., Lancaster, OH 43130. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home, or memorial donations made to Calvary Lutheran Church, where Ron and Betty were lifelong members. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Grand Pines Assisted Living and Optimal Care and Hospice for their compassionate care during Ron’s final years.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.funeralhome.com.