Russell D. Staley, age 97, died on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, at 12:13 p.m. at Richland Manor Nursing Home, Bluffton.

He was born on Oct. 3, 1917 in Jackson Township, Allen County, Ohio to George Washington and Edith Edna (Ackerman) Staley and they preceded him in death.

He married Winifred Colleen Mason on July 3, 1941, and she died on Aug. 26, 2012.

Russell retired from Ford Motor Company after 23 years. He was a lifelong farmer. He attended the County Line Church of the Brethren of Harrod. He served as a trustee for Jackson Township for 46 years. He was a graduate of LaFayette Jackson High School class of 1935. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #513 F & AM of LaFayette, Ohio. 

Survivors include three sons, Thad (JoAnn) Staley of Bluffton, Dana (Pamela) Staley of Lafayette, Matt (Jill) Staley of Lima, three daughters, Rita (Robert) Holman of Lafayette, Jane (Bill Ellerbrock) Rayl of Lafayette, Gina (Todd) Burley of Bluffton.

There are 18 surviving grandchildren, Pam (Dennis) Lange, Lucinda (Kurt) Krendl, Randy (Amy) Staley, Ryan (Kimberly) Staley, Mason Staley, Hannah Staley, Cale (Debra) Holman, Ron (Kimberly) Holman, Colleen (John) Bodin, Mollie (Scott) Gonder, Samantha (Dan) Remlinger, Amanda (Aaron) Markley, Skyler Rayl, Cameron (Rachael) Staley, Rachel (Kenny) Foust, Dylan Burley, Abigail Burley, Madilyn Burley, 43 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; a sister, Iona Fisher of Lima.

He was preceded in death by 2 grandsons; a great grandson; 5 brothers: Gene Staley, Richard Staley, Albert Staley, Warren Staley and Brice Staley; 5 sisters: Ilma Rudy, Marceille Coon, Agnes Black, Laura Hirneise and Shirley Reichenbach.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, at the County Line Church of the Brethren, 4227 North Hardin Road, Harrod, with Pastor Thomas Dearth officiating. Burial will be in Lafayette Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 2-8 p.m. at the County Line Church of the Brethren, Harrod, and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to County Line Church of the Brethren and/or LaFayette Jackson Fire Department.