Ernest J. Zeitler

Columbiana-Ernest J. Zeitler, 86, of Columbiana, died at 7:45 a.m. Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the Cleveland Clinic following a short illness.

Mr. Zeitler was born November 10, 1928 in Elkton, a son of the late Walter David and Alta Reta Welker Zeitler and had lived in this area all of his life.

Ernie worked as a drag line operator at the Thompson Brothers Mining Company for many years. He was a member of East Fairfield United Methodist Church, New Waterford Lions Club and delivered Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed his ponies and his garden and was known to help anyone at anytime.

Ernie is survived by his wife, the former Adele R. Phillips, whom he married June 11, 1955; three daughters, Anne Marie Zeitler of Ashtabula, Eileen (Randy) McCall of Columbiana and Laurel (Tim) Colaizzi of Columbiana; a son, Dale (Theresa) Zeitler of Columbiana; a brother, Raymond Zeitler of Casa Grande, AZ; two sisters, Shirley Martin of Salem and Linda Black of New Waterford; a half sister, Wanda Brown of Columbus; eight grandchildren, Nathan Moore, Mason McCall, Jeannie Zeitler Johnson, Jordy Zeitler, Keith Zeitler, Katelyn McFarland, Kaleb McFarland, and Faith Colaizzi; and seven great grandchildren, Alivia, Zakkary, Millis, Emma, Ethan, Jaelyn, and Pandora.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Keith Zeitler, a sister, Mae Marie Mays and a brother, Wayne Zeitler.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at the East Fairfield United Methodist Church with the Reverend Susan Antolik officiating. Burial will follow in Crest Haven Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 4-8 pm Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana and from 10-11 am Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the East Fairfield United Methodist Church Building Fund or the charity of the donor's choice.