Kenneth R. Rase, 80, of Minford, passed away Friday, October 4, 2024 at SOMC Hospice.
Born December 21, 1943 in Portsmouth, the oldest son of Carl and Madalyn (Hoover) Rase, Ken was a graduate of Minford High School in the Class of 1961. He graduated from Morehead State University with a degree in agriculture and biology. From 1966 – 1970, he was employed by the University of Kentucky as an assistant professor county 4-H agent in Flemingsburg, Kentucky. During this period, he was named a Kentucky Colonel and Kentucky Admiral and spent three months with the Young Farmers Club in England. From 1970 – 1974, he was an associate professor county 4-H agent for The Ohio State University based in Scioto County, Ohio.
Beginning in 1974 and for 50 plus years, he was in the real estate business including brokerage, auctions, land development, residential and union construction companies, investments and was a certified real estate appraiser. He owned and operated several other businesses, including the Ridge Mini Mart and Minford Farm Center. He developed Rases Mountain in Minford and owned Ken Rase Farms, also in Minford.
He was a member of The Rock Church in Wheelersburg and was past president of the Portsmouth Board of Realtors, lay member of Scioto County Bar Association, Farmer of the Year for Scioto County, 4-H advisor, cub scout leader, member of the Ohio State 4-H Foundation Board, Scioto County Farm Bureau, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and published author of a book, “Just For You.”
He is survived by he wife, Ella (Bentley) Rase, who he married on April 22, 2012; three daughters, Kristin Rase (Bruce Overly), Kendra Rase, Kimberley (Aaron) McCray; one son, Kenneth Carl “K. C.” (Jen) Rase; two brothers, Kevin Rase, Keith Rase; three sisters, Patricia Gannon, Eva Rase, Ruth Humphrey; 12 grandchildren, Eli Cordle, Adam Cordle, Ethan Cordle, Josie Cordle, Alex Cram, Emily Cram, Anna Cram, Kara Jo McCray, Allison McCray, Kensley McCray, Isaac White, Kailynn Rase; 4 step children; Roger (Brittney) Maynard, Rick (Molly) Maynard, Robert (Patrea) Maynard, Radella (J.W.) Gibson and 12 step grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Carole Konik.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at The Rock Church in Wheelersburg with Rick Clark officiating. Burial will be in Harrison-Furnace Cemetery in Minford. Visitation will be at the church from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ken Rase Memorial Scholarship Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford. Online condolences may be sent to www.edafh.com.