Donald E. Rhamy

Donald E. Rhamy, 89, of Fredericksburg, was surrounded by family when he passed away on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare in Wooster.

Don was born on June 11, 1937, in Millbrook in Wayne County to Donald L. and Thelma (Beale) Rhamy and was a 1955 graduate of Wooster High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in vocational agriculture from The Ohio State University and later his master’s degree in school administration from Akron University. On Sept. 8, 1957, he married Joyce I. Richeson and they shared nearly 70 wonderful years together.

Don first taught school at Big Prairie, then Fredericksburg Elementary and then at Marlington where he taught Vocational Ag. After becoming a school administrator, he served as Principal at Fredericksburg, Triway and Waynedale where he retired from. In retirement he served as principle at Millersburg Elementary. For many years, Don enjoyed farming the family farm that had been in the family for three generations.

Don served as a Salt Creek Township, Wayne County Trustee for 28 years, served on the Fredericksburg Fire Dept. as an EMT/Fireman and was a longtime member of Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder. He was a member of Fredericksburg Ruritan, a board member of the Pleasant Hill Outdoor Center and a former 4-H advisor. Don, enjoyed playing cards, fishing trips to Canada and music. He loved kids and he never met a stranger.

Surviving is his wife, Joyce; his 5 children, Deb Chaffin and Chris Westendorf of Columbus, Earl and Vickie Rhamy of Apple Creek, Denise and Jerry Kandel of Kouts, IN, Diane and Mike Zimmerly of Brimfield and Mike and Bridget Rhamy of Apple Creek; grandchildren, Shelley (Jason) Ott, Sydnee (Gunnar) Stidham, Zeke Rhamy, Darbee Rhamy, Josh (Ashley) Kandel, Caleb (Alisa) Kandel, Keren (Larry) Kandel, Nikki (Fran) Espinosa, Jake (Megan) Zimmerly, Bryce (Ann) Zimmerly and Abby Rhamy; 12 great-grandchildren with one on the way and his brother, Gary and Sandy Rhamy of Youngstown.

Friends may call on Tuesday, Oct. 20th from 4-7 p.m. at Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church. Memorial services will be on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Jocelyn Smolik and Jerry Kandel. A family burial will be at Fredericksburg East Cemetery prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fredericksburg Library, Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church, South Central Fire Dept. or LifeCare Hospice. Murray Funeral Home is handling arrangements.