Thomas E. Ringstaff, 79. of West Salem passed away peacefully at his home after a lengthy illness.

He was born July 1, 1937 in Paducah, Ky., the son of Jessie and Mayme (Engar) Ringstaff.

He grow up in Kentucky. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served for six years.

After that he made his home in northeast Ohio. He retired from General Motors and had been a resident of West Salem for the last 17 years.

He will be greatly missed. A special thanks to Hospice of North Central Ohio, Matteson and Keeling Funeral Homes.

He is survived by his children, Thomas (Bev), Sarah and Barb; grandchildren, Tamera (Jake), Jessica (Ed), Kristina and Adam; great-grandchildren, Sam and Ava, all of Ohio; brothers, Wesley of Florida, Jon and Joe, both of Paducah, Ky.; and many nieces, nephews and several friends.

His parents; sisters, Liz, Leona, Valetta and Carol; and brothers, Jesse, Jewell and Charlie, died previously.

Memorials may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 6060 Rockside Woods Blvd. N., Suite 315, Independence, OH 44131.

Mateson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.