John Ely

John Ely, age 75, of Hillsboro, Ohio, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at Bethesda North Hospital in Cincinnati.

He was born Oct. 22, 1949, in Highland County, Ohio, the son of John H. and Elsie (Meredith) Ely.

He was a 1969 graduate of Miami Trace High School and previously attended McClain High School. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard and was a member of the Pisgah Church of Greenfield. John was known for his boundless energy and generous spirit. John never met a stranger, only friends he hadn't gotten to know yet.

He was employed at Candle-lite of Leesburg before retiring, while continuing his lifelong passion for farming. As a young man, John worked on the farm, learning the value of hard work, patience, and perseverance while tending crops, caring for livestock, and helping neighbors in times of need. Those lessons shaped the rest of his life, built on integrity, generosity, and community.

John was a lifelong lover of sports. As a young man, he participated in football at both Greenfield McClain and Miami Trace. He was a devoted Cleveland Browns fan regardless of how the season(s) went. As an adult, John was an avid softball player, bringing the same enthusiasm to the game that he shared with his friends. He also devoted many years to coaching baseball, guiding countless young athletes with patience, encouragement, and wisdom. His leadership extended beyond the diamond. As a scout leader, he inspired integrity, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors in generations of young people. John was also an avid hunter who generously processed game for friends and countless others over the years. His 'cutting room' became a gathering place where stories were shared and plenty of good-natured nonsense filled the air.

John's legacy is one of service, mentorship, and genuine kindness. His friends and family will remember his infectious laugh, his endless jokes, storytelling, and the way he made everyone feel welcome. He may not have any more punchlines, but he sure left us with lots of laughs.

He is survived by two daughters, Amy (Matt) Heinlein of Orient, Jessica Hughes of Washington C.H.; one son, Rance (Naphat) Ely of Palm Bay, FL; six grandchildren, Myles, Ryan, Dalton, Katie, Kylee, and John; three great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Alivia, and Karter; four sisters, Hazel Downing of Cincinnati, Carolyn Sue Mick of Greenfield, Mary Ellen Jugert of Colorado, Vivian (Terry) Losey of California; one sister-in-law, Nancy Ely of Washington C.H.; numerous nieces, nephews, and several special friends.

He was preceded in death by one son, Timothy Ryan Ely; one son-in-law, Ryan Hughes; one sister, Joann (Bob) Fisher; one brother, Jerry Ely; and both parents.

Funeral service will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15, at the Murray-Fettro Funeral Home in Greenfield with Pastor Larry Snodgrass officiating. Cremation will follow.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you be like John and be generous, be kind, and share lots of laughter.

Condolences may be sent to www.murrayfettro.com.