Gary Sponseller

Gary L. Sponseller, 68, of Zanesville, Ohio, formerly of Kosciusko County, passed away on November 30th, 2023, after a battle with Parkinson’s, Lewy Body Dementia and ultimately pneumonia.

He was born July 31st, 1955, in Warsaw, to Robert O. and Ruth M. Hawley Sponseller. On November 20th, 1982, in Claypool, he married Kathy A. Ransbottom, who survives.

He was an integral part of the family farm for over 30 years. He served as the Etna Township Trustee for almost 16 years. He was a licensed IHSAA official for over 15 years where he officiated volleyball, basketball and track for numerous local elementary and middle schools.

Growing up near Crystal Lake, he could be found swimming in the summer and playing hockey in the winter. He graduated from Mentone High School in 1973 where he played basketball, ran cross country and track.

Upon retirement, Gary & Kathy moved out to Ohio to continue making accessories for Longaberger products and shops in Berlin, Ohio. He enjoyed woodworking, solitaire, family vacations, reading the newspaper and any ballgame on television. A faithful listener of WOWO and WGN, he was an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Bears, Indiana Hoosiers and most recently the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was a kind-hearted man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Also surviving are his daughter, Amy (Jeremy) Cleveland and son, Barry Sponseller, one granddaughter and one great-grandson, two brothers Bryan (Lisa) Sponseller and Steve (Jan) Sponseller, sister-in law Donna (Don) Neer and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother, Richard Sponseller.

Mchatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Pierceton, is handling arrangements. In honoring his wishes, he will be buried in Hillcrest Cemetery in Pierceton, Indiana, with a private family graveside service.