Friday, February 13th, 2026
Jerald Bolenbaugh
Jerald R. "Jerry" Bolenbaugh, 88, of Rockford, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2026 at his home.
He was born August 7, 1937 in Van Wert, Ohio and was the son of the late Andrew D. Bolenbaugh and Mildred (Zizelman) Exline.
Jerry was raised by his grandparents, William "Bill" and Flo Zizelman until age 12. He first attended Rockford High School, then moved to Celina High School where he was a member of the 1955 graduating class.
Jerry had a deep love for music. He especially enjoyed classic country and bluegrass music. In the 1970's Jerry started a band called "The Originals". He played guitar and sang at many local establishments. Jerry also played music for weddings and other local events, to include the Geneva Indiana Bluegrass Jam, the Continental, Ohio American Legion open mic night and dance, and the Rockford Sock Hop.
Another love of Jerry's was classic cars. He purchased a 1966 Mercury two door hard top with a 410 big block engine that he took to all the car shows he was able to attend. This car was even written up in the Lima News.
Along with his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn (Rice) Bolenbaugh; his second wife, Sally Jo (Crawford) Bolenbaugh; his infant son, Brian Keith Bolenbaugh; and his beloved dog "Duke", whom Jerry described as his "best friend".
Jerry is survived by his son, Scott (Melissa) Bolenbaugh of Nashville, Tennessee; his daughter, Julie (Shane) McKibben of Loveland, Ohio; a brother, Bill Exline of Sebring, Florida; a sister, Gloria Pruitt of Celina, Ohio; five grandchildren, Nancy Taylor McKibben, Boston McKibben, Lauren (Will) Miller, Paige Bolenbaugh, and Anna Jones; and three great grandchildren, Nevaeh Lazarus, Von Miller, and Daisy Mae Miller.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882 with Pastor Bill Halter officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 3133 US Route 33, Rockford, Ohio 45882.
The family will receive visitors from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm Friday, February 20, 2026 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home. Visitors may also call before the funeral service, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Saturday February 21, 2026 at the funeral home.
Contributions in memory of Jerry may be made to the Shanes Crossing Historical Society, P. O. Box 282, Rockford, Ohio 45882.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.
