Benjamin L. Hartzler

Benjamin L. Hartzler, 84, of Rittman, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 3, 2026 while surrounded by his family and is now alive in Christ.

Born on Oct. 20, 1941, near Rittman, he was the son of Ernest and Pauline (Winkler) Hartzler. Ben graduated from Norwayne High School in 1960 and on April 20, 1968, he married Sandra L. Numbers. Sandy preceded him in death on July 16, 2019. He had worked at Strickland-Mason Chevy Dealership in Rittman for 28 years and retired from MTD after 12 years of service. Ben was a member of Rittman Grace Brethren Church and attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for the past several years. He enjoyed farming and his family was a very important part of his life. Ben is remembered for being a humble, quiet servant who was always caring for others. He was always ready to repair a car, tractor or equipment when someone was in need.

Surviving are his three children and their spouses, Jennifer and Joel Moine of Sterling, Aaron and Jen Hartzler of Lafayette, IN and Sarah and Joseph Ellis of Minerva; his nine grandchildren, Joellyn, Joanna, Jessica and Jennay Moine and Samuel, Seth, Levi, Nathanael and Lydia Hartzler; a brother, Dean Hartzler of Rittman, sisters, Kate Hartzler of Rittman, Lynell and her husband Ron Palitto of Wadsworth and Nancy Bauman of Rittman and sisters-in-law, Jane Hartzler and Karen Hartzler both of Rittman and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy, his parents, brothers, Kenneth and Richard Hartzler, sister-in-law, Jan Hartzler and brother-in-law, Dale Bauman.

Services will be Friday, Jan. 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 7605 Pleasant Home Rd., Sterling, OH with Pastors Jeff Dilyard and Bud Olszewski officiating. Burial will be in Jackson Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Murray Funeral Home is handling arrangements.