William "Bill" F. Rummell

William F. "Bill" Rummell, life-long resident of Mineral Ridge, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, March 19. He was 81. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carole (Crawford), daughter Sherry (Tim) Gleason, two sons, Randy (Tracey) and David (Shelly) Rummell; seven grandchildren: Shannon Rouan (Andy) Poole, Bethany Rouan (Matthew) Glidewell, Mackenzie and Zane Rummell, Rosie Gleason and Will and Tait Rummell; and one great grandchild, Ella Poole. Bill was born in 1931 to Willis and Algenia (Trude) Rummell and grew up on Depot Street in Mineral Ridge. He graduated in 1949 from Mineral Ridge High School, where he was a three-year all-conference basketball player, helping the Rams to two league championships. He attended Kent State University and received his bachelor's degree in 1953 and later a master's degree. While at Kent, Bill lettered four years on the baseball team and was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity. After graduation, Bill became a math teacher in 1953 at Mineral Ridge Schools, where he also coached baseball and basketball. Four years later he became principal of the junior high school and in 1965 he was appointed principal of the high school. In 1967 Bill became superintendent of the Weathersfield school system and remained until 1988 when he retired. During his tenure, Bill raised funds and directed the building of a new high school in 1976, hence named in his honor. Following his retirement, Bill received a commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives and was recognized in the Congressional Record of the United States House of Representatives. While a pillar within his community, Bill displayed the same leadership and loyalty within the First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge. He was a 65-year member of the church, joining in 1948 at the age of 17. He was the youngest member to be elected as a trustee of the church and served four terms as the ruling elder through two major building campaigns. Bill loved spending time with his family and fishing at Little Chemong Lake in Canada at the family cottage. He was also an avid sportsman who loved and followed the Cleveland Indians, Browns, Cavs, Ohio State University, and of course, watching his grandchildren play for the Mineral Ridge Rams. He was member of the Niles McKinley Lodge of the Masons and Ohio Retired Teachers Association. Calling hours will be on Friday from 3:00-9:00 p.m. at the William F. Rummell Building (Mineral Ridge High School, 1334 Seaborn Street), and Saturday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Mineral Ridge, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge Memorial Fund (3654 Main Street, Mineral Ridge, OH 44440).