Obituary for Michael Rhonehouse

Michael Gitchell Rhonehouse 12/17/1943 – 12/21/2022

Mike Rhonehouse, age 79, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. He was born December 17, 1943 in Syracuse, New York to the late George W. and Olive (Merrill) Rhonehouse.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his son, Bradley (Brad) Rhonehouse who passed away April 29th , 2022. Mike will be deeply missed by his son, James Rhonehouse and stepdaughters; Scarlett (Rice) Schuler and Jessica (Rice) Chiang, along with his many grandchildren; Steven Rhonehouse, Sarah (Gracie) Stockman, Jessica Snodgrass, June Fuzessy, Faye (Jeff) Valentine, Lelia Katelynn Dogali, Kat Cotton Foster, Kyle and Mariah(Sway) Anderson, Cody Wilson and Payton Schuler, and Chason Chiang.

Mike above all was a lover of nature and people, as he had many dear friends. He went to Bowling Green State University where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tua Fraternity and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Education with a major in Speech and a minor in English. He was an advocate of human rights especially the underserved including those of diversity and poverty. Mike volunteered for the MIA (Mexican American Youth) Center and BPP (Black Panther Party for SelfDefense). After college he taught at Scott High School in Toledo, Ohio. Mike worked for the Ohio Department of Health and Education as Chief of the resource unit. Derived from his passion of nature he purchased many acres in the foothills of West Virginia where he retired.

He enjoyed his retirement in Chloe, West Virginia where he kept busy with woodworking of cutting boards, tables that lead to his certified Bluebird houses, concrete tables, gardens, wildlife preserve, animals, festivals, music (jazz, blues, and bluegrass), friends and family. He also wrote satires for the Free Press. He was known as a legend in West Virginia by many. He facilitated the relief of those in need of Clay County by assisting the people to obtain welfare which created quite the political stir. Several years ago he moved back to Columbus, Ohio to be closer to family and amenities of the city. There he loved to read books, spend time with family, playing a good card game of bridge, the library and photography. He was a well rounded friendly person who loved to tell stories of his past adventures mostly involving animals and nature. He was a city and country man, mentor, teacher, father, artist and legendary. He was a good soul, one who will be truly missed. May his legacy live on.

Mike has been cremated and there will be small, private memorial conducted by his family. Donations can be made in his honor to the charity of your choice