Ronald Franklin Eselgroth

Ronald Franklin Eselgroth, 91, passed away on August 3, 2025. He was a beloved husband to Rebecca June (Haines) Eselgroth for more than 64 years until her death in 2022 and partner with her in their dairy farm, Shawnee Brook Holsteins. A graduate of Centralia High School, Ron grew his love for farming observing his father and as a member of 4-H and FFA. After his service in the Army, he returned home to pursue his lifelong passion on the family’s farm, participating in OSU Extension trials and activities, voraciously reading to find new ways of doing things that would work in the dairy and crop farming operation. He served as a director on many boards, including Ross County Landmark, Federal Landbank Association of Hillsboro, COBA/Select Sires, Ross County Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Ross County Farmers Club. He continued reading and keeping a sharp eye on farming operations until his passing.

Ron was born on November 30, 1933, to Edwin Albert Eselgroth and Ida Marie (Drummond) Eselgroth, who predeceased him. Ron is survived by daughters Carolyn Eselgroth (Tom Counts) and Susan Gearhart; grandchildren Karl Gearhart (Beth), Keith Gearhart (Rebecca Rudawitz), Kate Gearhart, Ken Gearhart (Mari Anne), Abby Counts, and Rachel Counts; great grandchildren Kinze Gearhart, Kasen Gearhart, and Kaley Gearhart; brother Harold Eselgroth, and sister-in-law Shirley Haines.

The family echoes Ron’s appreciation for all his National Church Residences Hospice caretakers and Chaplain Aaron Hines.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, August 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the funeral beginning at 1 p.m. at Fawcett-Oliver-Glass & Palmer Funeral Home, 77 E. Fifth St., Chillicothe, Ohio, with Pastor Tom Pairan officiating. Interment is at Grandview Cemetery in Chillicothe, with military rites conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard. Visit www.fawcett-palmer.com to share memories or condolences. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ron’s memory may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 74 W. Main St., Chillicothe, OH 45601, and the Ross County 4-H Endowment Fund, 475 Western Ave., Suite F, Chillicothe, OH 45601.