William Ronald Stiffler

William “Bud” Ronald Stiffler, 79, of Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, December 16, 2009 in Union Hospital at Dover following a recent illness.A son of the late William and Emma (Wilson) Stiffler, Bud was born June 20, 1930 at Clearfield, Pennsylvania.Bud graduated from Elders Ridge Academy in Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania and was a veteran of the United States Navy. He attained the rank of Seaman Apprentice and served aboard the submarine, the U.S.S. Spikefish.He held many jobs over the years and was known as the first agent for State Farm Insurance in Tuscarawas County bringing the agency to the area in 1965. Bud was employed as a truck driver at the time of his retirement.Bud was a member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge #510, the National Rifle Association and enjoyed fishing. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and one of his proudest moments in life was driving 130 mph in an official NASCAR vehicle at the age of 76.He is survived by his children, Suzanne (Tom) Moore of New Philadelphia, Becki (Jeff) Reiser of Dover, and Doug (Renee) Stiffler of Dover; his former wife of 46 years, Joan Stiffler of Dover; five grandsons, Micah, Jordan and Christopher Reiser and Joshua (Rose) and Sean Moore; a brother, Bob Stiffler of Apple Creek, Ohio and sister, Pat Wolfgram of Kansas City, Kansas.Bud was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Reiser; a great grandson, Caleb Moore and two brothers, Richard and James Stiffler.In keeping with Bud’s wishes, cremation will take place through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory. There will be no public calling hours and a memorial service honoring his life will be held on Saturday, December 26, 2009 at 10 a.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home chapel at New Philadelphia with Pastor Rod Phillips officiating. At the conclusion of the service, the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 will render military honors.Contributions may be made in Bud’s memory to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, P.O. Box 92, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to the Friends of the Homeless, P.O. Box 466, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.