Ralph H. Root Jr.

Ralph H. Root Jr. (84) passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.  Ralph was born in Columbus, OH on February 25, 1939 to Ralph H. Sr. and Ann (McClintock) Root.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Russell and Miriam (Harrod) Forsythe; and his brother in-laws, Norman McElheny and John Stiffler.  Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 40+ years, Kathy (Forsythe) Root; his children, Beth (Chris) Maisenbacher, Ralph (Peggy) Root III, Wesley (Cindy) Root and Bradley (Kynthia Droesch) Root; his grandchildren, C.J. (Megan) Maisenbacher, Katina Maisenbacher, Joshua (Jessica) Root, Justin Root, Zachary Root, William Root, Emalie Root, Maxwell Root and Leona Droesch; his great grandson, Alexander Root; his sisters, Joan McElheny and Virginia Stiffler; his sister in-law Sandy (Dave) Miracle along with many nieces and nephews.

Ralph attended Culver Military Academy and graduated from University High School in Columbus, OH.  He then served the nation in the Army National Guard earning the rank of Sergeant.  He spent 36 years as a career banker with the Huntington National Bank.  He was a longtime member of University Kiwanis, a life member of the Elks and Moose Lodges.  He was also a member of the Riverside Global Methodist Church.  Ralph loved his family and his faith and those qualities dotted his legacy of life.  He also greatly enjoyed all things outdoors.  He was one you would see working regularly with his hands doing all types of projects.  He was an avid Labrador Retriever owner and breeder.  He raised and showed many of these fine dogs through his kennel, Zane Hills Labradors.  He has left many memories and will be greatly missed. 

The family will receive friends at the Riverside Global Methodist Church, 2701 Zollinger Rd in Columbus.  Visitation will be Wednesday, January 17th from 4:00-7:00 PM.  Ralph’s funeral will be at the church Thursday, January 18th at 10:30 AM. He will then be laid to rest at the Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Norwich Township, OH.

In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage you to donate in Ralph’s memory to the Riverside Global Methodist Church 2701 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221 or the Cincinnati Labrador Rescue P.O. Box 30561, Cincinnati, OH 45230