Ralph H. Ety

In Loving Memory of a True Steward of the Land Remembering a Life Rooted in Family, Honor, and Hard Work

Ralph H. “Speedy” Ety, 81, of Carroll, passed away on January 31, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, on April 22, 1944, to the late Charles and Edith (Giesy) Ety. Ralph was a proud graduate of Carroll High School, Class of 1962.

He is survived by his sister, Charma (Ronald) Bussert of Carroll, Ohio; nephews, Richard (Andrea) Bussert and Kevin (Paige) Bussert; nieces, Connie Stoneburner and Chris (Matt) Shreyer; his sister-in-law, Shirlee Ety; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his brothers, Gerald (Shirley) Ety and Richard Ety and Connie Stoneburner’s husband, Ray Stoneburner.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Johnson-Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Baltimore, Ohio, with Rev. Jill Dunlap officiating. Burial will follow at Basil Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

With deep respect and heartfelt sorrow, we remember Ralph as a devoted son, brother, uncle, and cherished friend. Though he never married and had no children of his own, his legacy is not measured by lineage, but by the lives he touched and the values he passed on.

From a young age, farming was more than a livelihood—it was his calling. The land he tended stands as a quiet testament to a lifetime of hard work, responsibility, and deep-rooted care. His greatest pride was teaching his oldest nephew what it truly means to steward the land and protect what matters most, lessons that continue to guide the next generation.

Beyond the farm, Ralph found joy in simpler treasures, including his avid collection of old records and his much-loved John Deere toy tractors, reflecting his appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and tradition.

During a brief and courageous battle with cancer, Ralph faced his final days with dignity and resilience. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of the OSU James and Central Ohio Hospice for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Ralph during his final months.

We mourn his passing, but more importantly, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and heart.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.