Ralyn Lee Barnhart

Ralyn Lee Barnhart, 87, of Chillicothe, passed unexpectedly from this life at 12:29pm on Monday, August 4, 2025.

He was born May 31, 1938, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to the late Albert and Marie (Brady) Barnhart.  On January 21, 1961, he married the former Carolyn L. Bowman who passed November 6, 2007. They were married for 46 years.

His surviving children are Julia L. (Jeffrey) Barnhart Francis, of Athens; a son, Matthew S. (Emily) Barnhart, of Chillicothe; beloved grandchildren, Hallie (Trevor) Cochran, of Marietta; Wiley M. and Oaklyn L. Barnhart, of Chillicothe, and precious great granddaughter, Rylan Mae Cochran; a brother, Frank (Janet) Barnhart, of Montverde, FL; a loving companion for 15 years, Shirley Linton, of Chillicothe; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins that he treasured.  In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by brothers, Herman Barnhart, Albert Barnhart, Jr. and Glenn “John” Barnhart; and sisters, Evelyn McDonald, Pauline E. Haefeli, Margaret Seitz and Doretta Current.

Ralyn was a graduate of Centralia High School Class of 1958. He served in the United States Army, stationed in Georgia, serving as a cook to officers who always requested his fried chicken.  He worked at the DuPont Plant in Circleville for 35 years until retirement. He was the owner and operator of Barnhart Excavating from the early 1970s to present. As a skilled operator, Ralyn worked for decades putting in water lines and septic systems, hauling dirt and gravel- the more challenging the job, the greater his enjoyment. He excavated and backfilled hundreds of graves in local cemeteries, digging graves by hand in the early years. He was a quiet, understanding presence during funeral services. He treated the deceased with dignity and understood the emotional weight of his work for the grieving families.

Ralyn’s devotion to his friends and neighbors was something he lived. Whether it was lending a hand, offering a kind word, or simply being there when it mattered most, he gave of himself freely and without hesitation. His loyalty, generosity, and quiet strength left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Ralyn was our rock, our loving father, grandpa, and pap. He was a committed companion, a sweet and fun uncle, and cherished cousin. He will be dearly missed.

Services were entrusted to WARE FUNERAL HOME of Chillicothe, Ohio. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, August 11, 2025 with Pastor Barry Bennett officiating.  Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard.  Friends may call at the Ware Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, August 10, 2025. 

You may sign his online register at warefh.com

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