Ralph L. Kelch

Ralph L. Kelch, 84, of Hillsboro, died Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009 at Highland District Hospital. He was born June 3, 1925 in Buford, Ohio, the son of the late George and Roxie Reinschmidt Kelch. He was a member of the Hillsboro Church of Christ, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #361, the Hillsboro Rotary Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1161 and VFW Post #9094. He was a United States Merchant Marine Veteran who served during World War II. Mr. Kelch was a local businessman and owner of Kelch's Market in Hillsboro for over 55 years. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bennett Kelch, whom he married Nov. 23, 1979 in Hillsboro; a daughter, Karen Russo and her husband, Jim, of Cincinnati; three sons, Robert Kelch of Cincinnati, Steve Kelch and his wife, Linda, of Hillsboro, and Rick Kelch and his wife, Elaine, of Hillsboro; two stepsons, David Watts, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Thomas Watts and his wife, Tara, of Ellicott City, Md.; nine grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Norma Schraw Kelch, in 1978; a brother, Louis Kelch; a granddaughter, Annamaria Russo; and a stepgrandson, Bradley Watts. A graveside funeral was held Aug. 28, 2009 at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Leesburg. Ron Gilliland officiated. There was no visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. The Turner & Son Funeral Home is serving the family. To sign the online registry, go to: www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.[[In-content Ad]]