J. Robert and Ruth Tipton moved to Ashland in 1940 when Bob was hired to be the Industrial Arts Teacher at AHS. During WWII, Bob worked at Eagle Rubber Company in the summer months and was hired on as a full time employee in 1944. He became the Vice President of the company and after retiring from Eagle Rubber, he worked at Kent Sporting Goods in New London for another 10 years. Bob believed that working hard at something you liked kept you young! He and Ruth built their home on Sandusky Street where they have lived for over 60 years. Bob is an avid woodworker and Ruth served as treasurer of First Christian Church for over 25 years. She enjoys knitting, crocheting and playing bridge and both Bob and Ruth enjoy spending time with their family which includes three children, 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Their three children all graduated from Ashland High School.

“We chose to share with generations to come because we believe that it is important to give back to the community in which you have lived. We have been blessed with good health and good fortune and we want that good fortune to have an impact on people in AshlandCounty long after we are gone. We can help our church and other organizations whose work and mission we value by leaving money through the community foundation. We believe that ACCF will be able to respond to the needs of a growing and changing society long after we have passed on. By leaving a portion of our trust to the ACCF unrestricted fund, we believe that future boards of the Foundation will be able to respond to the unknown needs that lie ahead for Ashland County.”

Prepared 2005

Charles Taylor and Jane Brooks were raised in rural Ashland County where both learned responsibility and a strong work ethic at early ages on the “farm”—Charlie in “South County” and Jane in “North County.” Mr. Taylor trained as a machinist and tool and die maker and served in the U.S. Army in skilled trade management while Jane pursued her goal of becoming a nurse. They married in 1973 and moved back to Northern Ashland County in 1985.

Over the years, Charlie followed a diversified career, he owned and managed a scientific education manufacturing supply company, an asphalt maintenance material and dust suppressant company, and was a principal member in a startup telecommunications power transmission company. He has served on various Boards and as a management consultant to include the Foundation. Both are involved in ACCF Committees.

ACCF donors, Charlie and Jane helped create the Loudonville-Perrysville High School Class of 1962 Scholarship Fund to benefit graduates.

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have observed the steady growth of the Foundation. Each year there are new and exciting ventures to serve the people of Ashland County now and into the future. The Taylor’s transferred their life insurance policies to ACCF for the Operations Endowment to ensure the long term management of the Foundation.

Prepared 2007

Lee Solomon and Jane Welsh were Ashland High School sweethearts, graduating in 1968. They both graduated from Ashland College.

Lee’s father and mother, Rev. George and Jessie Solomon, pastored many churches, including Park Street Brethren Church. After serving in the United States Army, Lee followed his father’s footsteps at Ashland Theological Seminary. He has pastored churches in Ohio, Indiana, and New York. Lee is currently serving as Vice President of Development at Ashland Seminary.

Jane was born and raised in Ashland, the daughter of Jay and Thelma (Steigerwalt) Welsh. Jane was ready to get on the school bus when she was only 4. She loved her 2^nd grade teacher – Barbara Noble, and wanted to be just like her. Jane began her teaching experience at Mapleton. She has taught in 4 states and 8 different school systems. She is currently teaching 2^nd grade in Hillsdale District. She has taught nearly 4 decades, always encouraging the love of reading. She hopes the Solomon Scholarship Fund will assist any Hillsdale student interested in teaching elementary education. By adding estate dollars to the Fund, they plan to assist students…for generations to come.

Prepared 2011

Noel and Ann were married in Jeromesville on June 4, 1935. He was a Science teacher at Jeromesville. Ann was a college student at Wooster College. Noel continued teaching for a total of forty-four years at Jeromesville, Loudonville and AshlandUniversity. Ann worked for Flxible Company for twenty-six years before retiring. Both have been very active in the LutheranChurch, in service clubs and community clubs. Both are interested in antique collecting and gardening. Ann has judged many flower shows at the State and County Fairs.

Thirteen years ago they started planning for the future by establishing three trusts: A Family Trust, a Skip Generation Trust for their grandchildren and a Charitable Remainder Trust for groups which they wish to assist. The group of ten beneficiaries included Ashland Public Schools Education Foundation, which ultimately was given to the Ashland County Community Foundation. All of these are unrestricted for use as they desire.

It is Noel and Ann’s belief that charity begins at home and that by giving to local organizations the benefits will continue long after they are gone. “We hope others will consider it also.”

Prepared 2005

Phil and Susan Shafer’s decision to reside in Ashland was an important one. When Phil completed graduate work at Washington and Lee LawSchool, they considered their three-fold criteria: a small town, employment in a county seat and the presence of a college. Considering this the best environment for their family and careers, they found Ashland a community of caring people interested in education, civic responsibility and culture. They feel their choice proved to be everything they expected and more.

“The recent establishment of the Ashland County Community Foundation has proven to be the prime example of the community’s concern for others. It enables our family to contribute in an individual way through a Donor Advised Fund now and in the future. During our lifetimes we can make yearly contributions of significance to programs of our choice through the income generated by our fund. In the future our three daughters will continue this process by making decisions to strengthen new and existing programs in AshlandCounty, which shaped their lives. Since 1965 we have been the recipients of the generosity of others, and we strive to help others through our Foundation Donor Advised Fund.”

Prepared 2005

Jim and Becky married in 1977 and moved to Ashland in 1978. Here Jim established his business as an investment representative for Edward Jones and has served his company for 23 years. Jim believes in the community and in giving back, and has openly dedicated his life to supporting areas throughout the County that are in need. He strongly recommends and encourages his customers throughout the AshlandCounty community to follow his example in supporting the Ashland community. In fact, Jim believes one of the most effective ways to support charitable organizations is through the Ashland County Community Foundation.

Both Jim and Becky (who passed away in 2002) volunteered on several charitable boards in the community, including the executive boards of Hospice and the Humane Society, and the Board of Trustees of the Chamber of Commerce and United Way. By volunteering, both realized that in every case the organization never had enough donated money that could be used toward the administrative staff. Most organizations needed monies to offset the cost of salaries so that donations could be used for the actual purpose of the charity. The Rosbys believed that more money was needed for the good works of the organizations, yet the administrative support staff still needed to be accounted for. Jim and Becky supported the Ashland County Community Foundation because they strongly believed in the principles and service that formulated the organization. They both felt so strongly about the need to support administrative staff for charitable organizations for generations to come that they gave irrevocably.

Jim remarried to Denise in 2004 and together plan to continue the same philosophies, beliefs and goals toward the community. They instill daily these principles to their children and growing family, and express the need to support charitable organizations that continually provide excellent service, quality care and nurturing of individuals throughout the community. Knowing that their family interacts and has a Foundation here in the AshlandCounty community, they are grateful that this legacy will continue.

Prepared 2005

Jane Roland was born and raised in Ashland, attending the Ashland City School System and graduating in the class of 1976. Jane enjoyed music and especially singing from a young age. She was active in the Acappella Choir at the high school under the direction of Cliff Hurst and had leading roles in The Sound of Music and The King and I. She was named Outstanding Musician her senior year in high school.

In later years she was well known for singing the National Anthem at many community events and even on the state and national level with her work in Veterans Benefits. She is a member of Calvary Baptist Church where she sings in the choir.

Jane spent her career at the Ashland County Veterans Service office as a Veterans Benefits Counselor and later as Administrator. She served on the Governor’s Office of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee as an elected officer of her state association. Nationally, she serves as Conference Director for the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. Locally, she served on the ACCADA Board, the Ashland County Cancer Association Board, the Oakbrook Condominium Board, the Ashland County Historical Society Board as well as Business Commission and Music Commission at Grace Church. She currently serves as President of the Ashland County Women of Achievement Board and is Vice-Chair of the ACCF Women’s Fund as well as Silent Watch, Veteran Suicide Awareness Board. She has been named as Who’s Who Among American High School Students, outstanding Young Women of America, and received the Ashland County Women of Achievement Award in 2003.

Having no children of her own, Jane’s wish is to enable other children to participate in and enjoy music through the Ashland City Schools high school vocal music programs.

Prepared 2023

K. Ann Ritter was born in Mansfield on May 9, 1918 to Pete and Elizabeth (Fromm) Ritter and passed away on March 16, 2004 in Ashland. She had lived most of her life in Ashland County. Ann had been the Employment Manager for the DefenseElectronic ServiceCenter in Dayton for more than 20 years. She was a member of St. Edward’s Church, and volunteered many years at SamaritanHospital and for the American Red Cross.

Ann was described as a “very generous and special woman who enjoyed life, dearly loved children and valued education.” Only a couple siblings of Miss Ritter’s large family had children, but Ann developed a fondness of children. She made numerous contributions to the hospital, her church, neighbors and charitable organizations.

Even after her passing, Ann’s generosity and concern for children will continue to benefit Ashland County for generations to come. We are grateful for her decision to use ACCF as a base to further her giving for years to come.

Prepared 2005

Chris and Chasta Rhine, lifelong residents of Ashland, are making a permanent tribute to their son, Logan, through the Foundation. Logan Christopher Rhine was diagnosed with Leukemia in June 2000, just prior to his second birthday. After more than three years in remission, Logan relapsed in December of 2003. Following his courageous battle, Logan went to be with God on January 12, 2004 at the precious age of five.

Logan was an adorable, bright eyed child with an infectious laugh. He had an abundant love of superheroes. In fact, you never knew which superhero he would pretend to be from one day to the next. The summer before his death, Logan lived his ultimate dream – meeting his favorite superhero Spiderman – at Walt Disney World.

Knowing the abundant joy meeting Spiderman gave their little boy, Chris and Chasta wish to help make the dreams of other children with life-threatening illnesses come true. To fulfill this desire, the Rhines chose to honor their son with a named fund. They take comfort in knowing their wishes to extend a helping hand to the patients and families dealing with life-threatening illnesses will be professionally honored and managed.

To all who knew and loved Logan, he was without a doubt their SUPERLOGAN. The “SUPERLOGAN” Rhine Memorial Fund will perpetuate Logan’s memory in a way that cares for others battling similar illnesses.

Prepared 2005

Lee Reineke is a graduate of Hobart College in New York. He has been involved in entrepreneurial ventures his entire adult life. These ventures began in steel and gave way to graphite businesses. Today, these five companies – AmeriCarb Machine, Ohio Power Tool Brush Company, RadTech, Pressure Guard, and Reineke Company – are based in Ohio and do business internationally. The Reinekes, with the help of their sons, manage these companies.

Susanne Reineke attended Kent StateUniversity and Walsh University. She spent her career in the real estate and insurance businesses, as well as established her own consulting company. She retired early and now serves the community through volunteer work. In addition, she continues to play a role in her family-owned businesses.

The Reinekes’ genuine care for our Ashland Community has led them to create a donor advised fund using a portion of Susanne’s early retirement payments. In knowing the needs of the Community are ever-changing, they will select the recipient(s) of their Fund’s distribution each year. The Reinekes have designated the dollars be placed in the ACCF Operations Endowment following their lifetimes. They are committed to helping fund the operations and leadership of the Foundation – a much needed support to expand ACCF’s services to meet the increasing needs and demands of the Community…for generations to come.

Prepared 2005