Chester Ray “Honey” Ralstin, 91, of Rocky Fork Rd., Otway, Ohio, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, peacefully at his home following a long illness.

He was born Feb. 27, 1918, in Otway, Ohio, a son of the late Levi Frank and Mary Leeth Ralstin. He was united in marriage on July 30, 1943, to the former Margaret (Betty) Davis of Jackson, Ohio, who preceded him in death on Aug. 23, 2009. Chester and Betty celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary in 2009. Mr. Ralstin departed for duty with the U.S. Army during WWII, having served in the 95th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Armored Division, earning the Purple Heart.

He is survived by his children, Michael R. Ralstin and wife, Shirley of Lucasville, Ohio, Mary Margaret Nordstrom of Canal Winchester, Ohio, Elizabeth Ann Brown and husband, Tony of Gallipolis, Ohio, Rebecca Jean Hale and husband, Stephen III, of Reidsville, N.C., Rose Ellen Swayne and husband, Mitchell of Baltimore, Ohio, David Frank Ralstin and wife, Priscilla of Otway, Ohio, and Robert Chester Ralstin and wife, Joanne of McDermott, Ohio; 14 grandchildren, Tod Ralstin, Jason Ralstin, Karin Nordstrom, Amy Carter, Matt Hale, Steve Hale, Josh Hale, Guy Swayne, Brad Swayne, Jeff Ralstin, Sarah Ralstin, Laura Ralstin, Andrew Ralstin, and Nicholas Ralstin; 11 great-grandchildren, Maddie, Mike, Mary Beth, Emma, Jake, Alyssa, Paden, Aden, Emma, Chase, and Logan; one brother, George Ralstin of Otway.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Johnny; beloved grandson, Justin Seth Ralstin; two brothers, Wesley and Denver Ralstin; and three sisters, Orpha Ralstin, Elizabeth Jones Hamilton and Audrey Liston.

Chester served as the Otway Postmaster from 1951 to 1978 and owned and operated a farm on Rocky Fork Road. He was most proud to be a steward of the land.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Otway with the Rev. David Young, Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery with military graveside services by American Legion James Dickey Post #23 of Portsmouth. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Botkin Funeral Home in Otway. A Rosary service will be held 8 p.m. on Friday. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Justin Seth Ralstin Scholarship Fund 800 Mohawk Dr., McDermott, Ohio 45652.

www.botkinfuneralservice.com.