Ronald D. "Ronnie" Schaffer

Ronnie Schaffer passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2024, while witnessing his last sunrise. Born on September 30, 1947, at the old Chillicothe Hospital, he spent his entire life in Ross County, residing on the family farm that he later purchased from his parents. A 1967 Bishop Flaget High School graduate, Ronnie furthered his landscape drafting and design education at the Ohio Technical College in Columbus. He subsequently obtained multiple state certificates as a hazardous materials handling specialist.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Latta and Osie Marie (nee Miller) Schaffer, his sisters Rose Marie (Gary) Hoeg and Joyce Schaffer, his brother Larry (Deedee) Schaffer, and his uncle, Johnny Miller. He is survived by his wife Nancy (nee Leasure) Schaffer, his children Janie (Josh) Fox of Parkersburg West Virginia, Sarah Marie Schaffer of Redding, California, and Raegan Forrestor Schaffer of Chillicothe, and Ronnie's brother, Gary (Jennifer) Schaffer of Chillicothe and numerous other family members.
In 1971, Ronnie established Ron's Landscaping, which he successfully operated for fifty-two years. He took immense pride in maintaining the grounds of the local Mead papermill, beautifying the area with an array of flowers and landscape plantings, particularly on the Mead Research Division campus.
Ronnie and Nancy Leasure were married on October 28, 1999, on the Creole Queen riverboat they had chartered for their wedding cruise up the Mississippi from New Orleans. The ship's captain officiated the wedding under the Admiralty Law of the Seas.
He loved the outdoors and the beauty of nature. Ronnie dedicated his life to teaching his trade and sharing his passion with others. He provided over 1,000 individuals with their first-job opportunities and second-chance careers in landscaping. Some of his students went on to establish competing landscaping firms. Ronnie's professionalism and high standards were reflected in his exceptional work.
Ronnie adored soaking up the sun during family trips to Myrtle Beach and seized every opportunity to be outside. He took care of his family by handling tasks like removing bees from the barn for his children to play with and was always ready to eliminate spiders or snakes. In his youth, he relished joining friends at the bowling alley or the Skate-Away. He loved cruising in his vintage Camaro and stopping by the Dairy Queen afterward. His ultimate happiness, however, came from spending time with his family.
An active member of various groups, Ronnie was a lifelong NRA member and never missed a meeting. He was also a member of the Chillicothe Elks, Chillicothe Moose, and the Boy Scouts. He often visited the goat barn during the Ross County Fair in his 4H years and attended Mount Tabor Church. He competed and won various times and positions at the Circleville Pumpkin Show including first place in the early eighties which entitled him to participate at the Worlds Fair in New York where he won third place in the eighties.
Ronnie's family extends their gratitude to Heartland Hospice, Susan Leach Triplett, and close friend Mikey Blaum for their care and assistance during his final days. Ronnie deeply appreciated everyone's support and help. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heartland Hospice of Lucasville.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, July 1, 2024 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Mike Ryan and Rev. Rick Hartley officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday. A dinner will follow the service at the Mt. Tabor fellowship hall.
You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com
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