Ralph E. Wellendorf

Ralph E. Wellendorf, age 81, of Canton South, passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 19, 1943, in Salem, Ohio, to the late Ralph E. and Miriam J. (Snyder) Wellendorf and had made the Canton area his home since 1967.

A 1961 graduate of Jackson High School, Ralph went on to serve his country with honor during the Vietnam War as a proud member of the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he worked as a skilled mechanic and service writer—spending 18 years with Boron GMC Truck Sales and another 6 years at Eppy's Chevrolet.

Formerly a longtime member of Canton South Church of the Nazarene and presently faithful member of Little Country Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Gloria J. (House) Wellendorf, whom he married on October 23, 1965. He will be deeply missed by his children, Karen M. (Mitch) Youtsey, Gary (Missy) Wellendorf, and Kevin (Andrea) Wellendorf; a brother-in-law, Tom Fairbee; and his grandchildren, Allison (Matt) Wilson, Nicholas Norcia, Kelcie (Gabe) Yates, Kristen (Lance) Okonowski, Alexis (Joey) Graham, Kaitlin, Leslie, Seth, Isaiah Wellendorf; step-grandchildren Erica, Natalie, Austin Youtsey. 15 great-grandchildren and a very special friend James Adkins.

Preceded in death by his parents, sisters Beverly Fairbee and Barbara Nichols and step-brother Terry Nichols.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, July 6th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on Monday, July 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Kreighbaum Sanders Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating Ralph’s life will follow on Monday, July 7th at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Terry Bailey officiating. Burial will take place at Sunset Hills Memory Gardens with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Little Country Church, 7886 Ravenna Ave SE, Waynesburg, OH 44688 or take your family fishing and enjoy God’s Blessing in Ralph’s memory.

Arrangements are entrusted to Kreighbaum Sanders Funeral Home, 4041 Cleveland Ave. S., Canton, OH 44707. Family and friends may offer condolences and share memories at:

sandersfuneralhomes.com 

(330) 484-2525