Ronald Dobson

Ronald G. Dobson passed away, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, peacefully, in the evening at his home in Triadelphia, West Virginia. He is survived by his wife of twenty years, Kathleen Dobson.

Ron was born to Lena T. Dobson and Everett J. Dobson on November 6, 1941 in the village of West Bedford near Coshocton, Ohio. West Bedford was always dear to his heart. 

 In elementary school, he moved to Fredericksburg, Ohio and graduated in 1959 from Waynedale High School. He was active in football and track and was student council president. He received a degree in education from then, Ashland College, later earning two Masters’ degrees in speech and journalism from The College of Wooster and Ball State University. 

Ron’s passion was teaching and in 48 years of teaching, he taught more than 5,000 students.  He would often tell his students that “Knowledge is Power”, and he influenced many students’ lives. He also taught speech at Akron State University in the evenings for nine years as an associate professor. Before retirement, he taught dual credit through Waynedale High School and Stark State University.  

He wore many different hats over the years at Waynedale High School in Apple Creek, Ohio.  He directed musicals and was the director of the One Act Play competition and Wayne County Speech competition, winning many first places over the years.  Ron was editor of the school yearbook and editor of the school newspaper, “The Bear Facts”, which was retired at Ron’s retirement in 2013. No one did it better.  

Ron’s deep commitment was to weightlifting. He was weight room supervisor for years at Waynedale and coached a weightlifting team for several years at the school, winning many trophies.

He had many interests. He owned and raced thoroughbred horses and was owner of Ron’s Enterprises and a well known summer painting business, painting, along with his crew, many homes in Wayne County and surrounding counties. Ronald traveled the world with students and adults. He traveled to five continents, taking students to exotic places, such as: Machu Picchu, Peru, Egypt, Rome, Italy, China and Japan. He greatly enriched the lives of many.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, a brother, Larry Dobson, sons, Ralph (Cynthia), granddaughter, Nancy, David (Mylyn), step-daughter Kira (Drew) step-grandchildren Emory, Margot, and Austin.  Ron was predeceased by wife, Nancy, his parents, and an Aunt Angie.  He leaves behind dear cousins, Gloria, Shirley, and Will, nephews, nieces, and longtime friends Chris Whitemyer and John Harris. His sweet Golden Retriever, Leo, was always by his side these last years.

We would like to thank caregivers, Danielle Pierce, Rebekah Mitchell, and Rico Mendiola through Visiting Angels and Amedysis Hospice and their wonderful nurses and aides. Without their care, Ron would not have been able to remain at home.

Calling hours will be Monday evening, January 12 at Murray Funeral Home in Fredericksburg from 4-7, and a funeral mass will be Tuesday morning at 10:00 at St. Mary Church of Immaculate Conception in Wooster, Ohio. Internment will be Wooster Cemetery.  

Ron loved all animals, especially dogs. Donations can be made in his memory to Coshocton Animal Shelter in Coshocton, Ohio, or to Waynedale High School.