Rancie A. Titley

Rancie A. Titley, 78, of Bowerston, passed away peacefully in the Community Hospice Truman House on Thursday, January 10, 2019 surrounded by her family, following complications of a stroke.

Born in her parents’ cabin in Hilham, Tennessee on November 19, 1940, Rancie was the daughter of the late Rancy and Vonda I. (Benson) Bilbrey.

After graduating from Dayton Stivers High School, Rancie continued her formal education at Otterbein University. There, Rancie met her lifelong companion and best friend, William “Bill” Titley. They were married in 1962 and together began careers in education.

Rancie taught in the Barberton School District for 28 years. She was a home economics teacher for 18 years. Then, she led the GRADS program, which helped at-risk female students with life skills.

Upon retirement, Rancie and Bill moved to the home they built by hand on Leesville Lake. They also became winter residents of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. In both states, they enjoyed their memberships with the Dover-New Phila Kiwanis Club and New Smyrna Beach Kiwanis Club, respectively.

Rancie’s faith has been nurtured for many years at the First Presbyterian Church in New Philadelphia. She also enjoyed participating in the Bowerston Book Club.

For the past 18 years, Bill and Rancie enjoyed participating in the Space Coast and the North Coast Miata Clubs. They have driven hundreds of hours through the Smokey Mountains and other places. Rancie especially enjoyed the stops on the drives, where she could share in comradery with other members. Rancie met no stranger and genuinely was interested in other people, their experiences, and their families.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Bill, of Bowerston; her son, Bill (girlfriend, Regan Durbin) Titley of Fairborn, Ohio; grandchildren, Kaili, Alaina, and Grant Titley and Madisyn Durbin; sisters-in-law, Ann Pokopac, Kathy Bardon, and Laura (John) Scott; cousins, Ellen Andrews and Dick Andrews; and nieces and nephews, Tim Fogle, Jeff Fogle, Jim Scott, Virginia Moser, David Pokopac, Joe Bardon, and Sandy Bardon.

Memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia from 10 to 11:30 AM. A memorial service celebrating Rancie’s life will begin at 11:30 AM with Rev. Joe Svancara officiating. Friends are invited to the Geib Family Center, located adjacent to the funeral home, immediately following the service where a luncheon will be held.

Memorial contributions in Rancie’s memory may be directed to either the First Presbyterian Church, 217 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.