Ronnie Garvin
Ronnie E. Garvin, 78, of Caldwell, OH passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, with his daughter Fonda and girlfriend Sue by his side.
He was born on October 1, 1947, in Three Forks, a son of the late Irvil F. and Edna Mae Woodford Garvin. From an early age, Ron learned the value of hard work, and that shaped much of his life. After graduating in May 1966, he became the owner of Ron’s Restaurant in Caldwell. Ron then worked for Shelley & Sands and Goss Brothers, and in 1968 began his career with Putnam Transfer, where he later retired. Even in retirement, he stayed busy farming and hauling stone through his company, Notta Trucking Company.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Janice Stanbery Rayner and his wife, Kay Garvin; three brothers, George, Dale, and Marion Garvin; and two sisters, Ruth Hendershot and Gladys Windland; and his beloved dog Notta.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Fonda (Aaron) Mettler of Dexter City; his sons, Ronnie Lee (Julie) of Caldwell and Trent (Candace) of Adamsville; eight grandchildren, Mandy (Lee) Orahood, Josh (Stacey) Mettler, Austin (Haylee) Mettler, Tommee Garvin, Faith (Keegan) Fritz, Hunter, Colt, and Ryder Garvin; seven great-grandchildren, Colter & Kenzlee Orahood, Macey Mettler, Lakin, Jace, and Ava Garvin, and Octavia Fritz. He is also survived by his brother, Darwin of Caldwell; sister Doris (Roger) Wagner of Beverly; and sister-in-law Deanna Garvin of Sharon; and his longtime girlfriend, Sue Langley, who shared many years, memories, and everyday life with Ron and his family.
Ron had a deep love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting deer, bear, turkey, moose, elk, antelope, and more— including many cherished trips to his land in Canada with family. Some of his favorite times were spent on hunting trips to Canada, out west, New York, West Virginia, pheasant hunting in South Dakota and at Bullseye Pheasant, and a “wild” hog hunt in Michigan. Those trips created stories and memories that his family will always carry with them. He is the reason his family fell in love with hunting, a tradition they will proudly continue in his honor. He also cherished the memories made over the years with the “Old Red Gate Hunting Club.” He loved his houseboat on Clendening Lake, collecting things he didn’t always need, and somehow always finding room for more vehicles, tractors, and hunting gear. Ron also enjoyed his cat “Pretty Kitty” and valued his quiet moments at home in Three Forks, the only place he knew as home.
Ron will be remembered for his love for the outdoors, and the many memories he created with those who shared his life. Ron was also known for the stories he loved to tell. Some of the most cherished memories were made sitting in the basement with a fire, oldies country, drinking a cold one, and hearing him share stories that made us all laugh, shake our heads, and feel like we were right there with him.
In the end, Ron took one final ride through Three Forks, the place he loved and called home — exactly the way he wanted.
The family will receive friends for visitation Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724. A Funeral Service will conclude visitation Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation will follow. Memorial contributions may be directed in Ronnie’s Honor to Absolute Hospice Foundation, 39 Summit Court, Suite 150 Caldwell, Ohio 43724. Please join us in remembering Ronnie by visiting his memorial at www.ChandlerFuneralHome.net
