Russell Lee Shambach Sr.

Russell Lee Shambach Sr., 94, passed away after a brief illness December 31, 2023 with his loving wife, Arlene and family by his side. A Christmas Baby, he was born December 25, 1929 to the late James C and Anna B (Young) Shambach. Russell was a member of the Edinburg United Church for 81 years, where he was married to Arlene (Allman) on June 19, 1955, and proudly served his country as an Army veteran of the Korean War, where he was a Baker stationed in Germany. He retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1990 with over 40 years of service, and continued to work another 15 years working as a cabinet maker. He had many hobbies including farming, gardening, beekeeping, wood-working and cooking.  He enjoyed being outdoors in the summer, sitting on the swing with his wife and little grand-dog Lucy and getting kisses from his big grand-dog Bling. Russ loved watching his grandson and son-in-law bale hay in the hot days of summer.  He loved taking golf cart rides with his son, looking at his property and watching his garden grow and taking care of the trees he planted. He also loved serving his church as a cook, making many dinners for Easter, the turkey bazaar and other events. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Arlene (Allman); children, Gail Roper, Russell Shambach Jr., Ronald (Donna) Shambach, Linda Shambach-Ruff (Kurt) and Beth Hauser (Mike); 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild due in July. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, David Roper; sisters, Bernadette, Ruth (Delbert) King, Esther (Cork) Whorley, Mildred Pishney and her twin Martha, and Catherine Shewell; brothers, George, Howard (Vera), Jim (Lynn) and Larry (Alice Mae). The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Edinburg United Church of Christ, 4081 Rock Spring Rd., Ravenna, OH 44266 with Pastor Susan Lehosky officiating. Calling hours will be at church for two hours prior to the service, from 9 – 11 a.m. with burial at Edinburg Cemetery with military honors conducted by American Legion Post 737. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Edinburg United Church of Christ in memory of Russ, a devoted servant to his God and church. His favorite saying was he could make something out of nothing.  He loved life, his family, his church and will be missed by many!

His Video-Gift tribute and personal condolences may be viewed online at www.eckardbaldwin.com .