LEETONIA - Ralph H. Basinger, 86, of Leetonia, passed away early Monday morning, October 20 at home with his loving family by his side. Mr. Basinger was born on January 21, 1928 in North Lima, a son of Henry and Pauline (Longanecker) Basinger. he graduated North Lima High School in 1946 where he was a captain of their basketball team. Ralph was a member of North Lima Mennonite Church, where he served as Trustee in past years. Ralph married the former Carolyn Mae Detwiler on December 27, 1952. Together they raised five children. She passed away on July 1, 1999. Ralph worked hard as a farmer and a bricklayer. He enjoyed his work as a dairy farmer for many years. He served as a conscientious objector during the Korean War for a state hospital in Cleveland; where he was an orderly and also ran the state hospital farm. He joined the Bricklayers Local #8 Union in 1957, and was the bricklayer foreman at the Southern Park Mall project. He was known for his fireplace construction. He also enjoyed raising registered Holstein Cattle and registered Belgian Draft horses, one of which won Grand Champion at the Columbiana Fair. In his spare time Ralph liked to watch tractor and horse pulls. He leaves to cherish his precious memory four daughters, Shirley (Scott) Heddleson of Mansfield, Bonnie (John) Conrad of Boardman, Karen (Dennis) Aikens of Leetonia and Marianne (David) Burgess of New Waterford; a son, John (Carol) Basinger of Leetonia; ten grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mildred Jacobs, and a great-granddaughter Cana Carolyn Deger. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 23 at 11 a.m. at North Lima Mennonite Church, 90 Mennonite Drive, North Lima with Pastor Robert Wengerd officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 22 from 6-8 p.m. at Seederly-Mong and Beck Funeral Home, 154 S. Elm Street, Columbiana, and also one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Ralph's memory to the North Lima Mennonite Church, 90 Mennonite Drive, North Lima OH 44452. The Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana, Ohio has been entrusted with the arrangements. Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.