Rodney Lee Stratton, age 79, was called (went to be with his Lord) home at 7:09 a.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay, Ohio. Rodney was born September 16, 1941 in Bluffton, Ohio to the late Rolland and Marie (Weinhold) Stratton. On February 24, 1962 he married Marlyn Jane (Steinman) Stratton who survives in Bluffton.
Rodney was a graduate of Bluffton High School class of 1959. He was an active member and served in many capacities of First United Methodist Church, Bluffton since 1952. Rodney started farming at the age of 16. He was awarded the prestigious Ohio Young Farmer of the Year award in 1973. Rodney was a long-time member of the Allen County Farm Bureau. In 1994 he retired and his sons took over the farming operation. Rodney continued to enjoy a role in farming through the July 2021 wheat harvest.
Rodney enjoyed many hobbies including being a lifetime member of the NRA and member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association, where he won distinguished awards including the “Silver Dollar Shoot” in Orlando, Florida and many shoots across the nation. He was selected to compete as a member of the Ohio State Trap Team numerous times. Rodney was an avid fisherman and hunter in many parts of the world. His woodworking skills were known throughout the Bluffton community. Rodney and Jane enjoyed their retirement and entertaining family and friends in Fort Myers, Florida for over 25 years.
Rodney loved his family and was proud of all his grandchildren and followed them in their activities including football, basketball, track, volleyball and barrel racing. He was truly a great husband, dad, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. Rodney is survived by three children, Amie L. Stratton, Rodney Jay (Barbara) Stratton and Kris Shawn (Nancy) Stratton all of Bluffton; seven grandchildren, Ashley (Jon) Lucas, Cody (Robin) Fields, Bonnie Stratton, Rodney J. Stratton, Jr., Robert Stratton, Shane (Sarah) Stratton and Kolton Stratton; one great-grandchild, Jordan Lucas; a brother, Rolland Kipton (Anita) Stratton of New York and a sister, Lucinda Guthrie of Be’ziers, France.
A Memorial Service will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 3, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, Bluffton. Pastor Bob Clinger officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or Bridge Hospice Care Center.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton is honored to be providing services to Rodney’s family.
