Sally Bolenbaugh

Sally Jo (Crawford) Bolenbaugh, 85, of Rockford, Ohio passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Lima Memorial Hospital. She was born July 26, 1939 in Bluffton, Ohio and was the daughter of the late Elmer and Nancy Jane (Heller) Crawford.

She is a 1958 graduate of Kenton High School where she was in the marching band.

On January 22, 1983 Sally married Jerry R. Bolenbaugh, Rockford, Ohio, who survives.

She worked as a teacher's aid at Parkway Local Schools until retirement and as an associate at Wal-Mart in Celina, Ohio. Sally enjoyed car shows, reading books and magazines and solving jigsaw and crossword puzzles, watching tv and playing Yahtzee. Sally Jo was known for her spunky attitude and described as a 'firecracker' by many who knew her. She traveled to visit out of state family when possible.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Julie (Shane) McKibben of Loveland, Ohio; one step son, Scott (Melissa) Bolenbaugh of Spring Hill, Tennessee; one brother, Richard (Judy) Crawford of Locus Grove, Georgia; one sister, Nancy (Daniel) Wilson of Morrow, Ohio; brother in law, George "Skip" Gruner of Liberty Township, Ohio; two half sisters, Joanne Pfeiffer of Traverse City, Michigan and Madolyn (Herb) Neumann of Temperance, Michgan, five grandchildren, Nancy Taylor McKibben, and Boston McKibben; Lauren (Will) Miller, Paige Bolenbaugh, Anna Jones, and three great grandchildren, Nevaeh, Von, and Daisy Mae Miller, four nieces, Melissa and Jennifer Crawford, Emily (Michael) Walton and Amy (Adam) Pierce and two nephews, Pete (Christina) and Matt Wilson, and several great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Sally was preceded in death by a sister, Patsy Gruner, half brother, Curtis Crawford, and beloved dog Duke.

As her last selfless act, like her parents, Sally made the decision to donate her body for medical studies to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

A celebration of Sally's life will be held 3:00 pm, Saturday November 23, 2024 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 W. First St., Rockford, Ohio 45882. Pastor Bill Halter will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the memorial service, from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm, at the funeral home. A gathering with light meal will follow at the Belle 135 W. Market St. Rockford, Ohio 45882

Memorial contributions may be made to University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Medicine- Fall FY25 - Primary Donation Form - University of Cincinnati or call 513-556-6716, or Animal Protection League of Mercer County Animal Protection League of Mercer County or directly to Celina Animal Hospital (419) 586-3109.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Divine Nursing Home at Shane Hill and Lima Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care.

Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 W. First St., Rockford, OH 45882.

Link to Donate to the University of Cincinnati Foundation