Walter Virgil Ketring

Walter "Walt" Ketring, 79, of New Madison, Ohio, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022, at Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio.

He was born October 21, 1942, in Glen Karn, Ohio, to the late Basil and Alice (Short) Ketring.

In addition to his parents, Walt was preceded in death by his sons, Devin and Brian Ketring; and his brothers, David and Gerald Ketring, and his sister, Janice Dowler.

Walt was a 1960 graduate of New Madison High School. After graduating, he attended the Toledo School of Meat Cutting. Afterward, he returned home and started his career as the head of the meat department at the New Madison Grocery. In 1966, he and his wife, Sheila, bought New Madison Refrigerated Lockers, changing the name to Ketring Meat Locker. Together, they ran the business for 52 years. Walt loved his community and had the privilege of serving on the village council from the late 1960's to the early 1970's.

Walt had several passions in his life. First and foremost was his family. Walt was a devoted and faithful husband, loving father, and would do anything for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed nature and being outdoors. He loved cutting wood and swimming in his pool. He loved spending time tending to his farm, also known as his 60-acre playground. He loved college basketball, especially March Madness. He touched the hearts and lives of countless people and will be missed.

Walt is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sheila (Butts) Ketring, whom he married on June 23, 1962; his son, Matt (Bev) Ketring of New Madison, his daughter-in-law, Kirsten Ketring of Arcanum, Ohio; his grandchildren, Sarah, Reed, John and Jeff Ketring, Annie (Alex) Filbrun, Jason (Ashley) Meek, and Heather (Brian) Weston; his 4 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and the entire New Madison community.

A celebration of Walt's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Tribute Funeral Homes, New Madison campus, with Rev. Eric Fee officiating. Burial will follow in Greenmound Cemetery in New Madison.

His family will be receiving guests on Saturday, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given, in Walt's memory, to Muscular Dystrophy Association by visiting mda.org and clicking on the "Donate" button, or EverHeart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331.

Online condolences may be shared with Walt's family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.