Walter A. DeRhodes

East Palestine - Walter A. DeRhodes, 96, passed away Friday afternoon, August 21, 2026, at the Christian House in East Palestine. 

Walter was born on February 25, 1930, in Salem, the son of Merle L, and Eula M. (Bonsell), and stepson of Florence (Slagle) Knauf. A 1948 Fairfield High School graduate, he married the former Ruth H. Webber on June 26, 1949. Walter, along with Ruth, owned and operated DeRhodes Greenhouse Retail and Wholesale. They belonged to the East Fairfield United Methodist Church. Walter's interests led him to be a member of the Columbiana Historical Association, The County Historical Association, the Farm Bureau, the Tri-County Greenhouse Growers, and the African Violet Society. 

He will be missed greatly by his two daughters Debra Cooper-Suminski (David Suminski), Catherine Gustafson (William Gustafson) and the late Susan Kellner's family (and her husband Jim Kellner of Leetonia), Five grandchildren, Gretchen Shea, Erika Heller, Sara Graham, Valerie Thompson, and Jake Kellner; and four great grandchildren, Jocelyn Shea, Mark Thomas Shea, Colton Graham, and Grace Graham. 

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ruth, his daughter Susan Kellner, his sister Dorothy Hess, his brother Lee DeRhodes, his son-in-law Richard (Dick) Cooper, and grandchildren Dana Jean and Danielle Jo Cooper. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at noon at Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral home at 154 S. Elm Street, Columbiana with Pastor Kristen Buchs officiating. 

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the time of the service at the Funeral Home in Columbiana, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations may be made in Walters's memory to the "Fix the Sticks" house, which he contributed time, effort and restoration of the windows. Checks should be made out to the 'City of Columbiana' with 'Fix the Sticks' in the memo line, c/o 28 W. Friend Street, Columbiana, OH 44408. 

Family and friends are invited to visit http://www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.