Richard H. Ansley

Richard “Dick” Ansley, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, coach, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, in Sidney, Ohio, just days before his 81st birthday. 

Dick dedicated his life to family, education, athletics, and community. A graduate of The Ohio State University and Miami University, he devoted 31 years to Anna High School, where he taught government, Spanish, history, math and more. During his career, he taught thousands of students, and he remained proud of each of them, from the highest achievers to those who simply needed someone to believe in them. One of his greatest joys was watching former students build families and successful lives of their own – and he remembered all of them. He was a respected basketball and baseball coach where he proudly led Anna's baseball program to a State Championship in 1980. A lifelong sports fan, Dick especially loved the Buckeyes, watching sports and collecting baseball cards. He enjoyed sharing his passion for the hobby with others and helping new collectors get started.

Above all, Dick loved his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jo Anne Ansley of McCartyville, Ohio; his children, Michelle and Dave Voisard of Sidney, Ohio, Trisha and Rod Rayner of Union, Kentucky, and TJ and Kelly Ansley of Galena, Ohio. He was a proud grandfather to Maddi and Dylan Berner, Will Voisard, Claire Rayner, Nolan Rayner, Kirby Rayner, Hudson Ansley, and Phoebe Ansley, and a loving great-grandfather to Layla Berner and Colby Berner.

He is also survived by brother Don Ansley, Kathy Ansley and Karen Ansley as well as Dan and Alice Swick, Susie Pierce, Kay and Bill Thompson, and Jan Geres, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, athletes, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen Ansley, and his brothers, Kia Ansley, Keith Ansley and Lou Pierce.

In retirement, Dick and Jo enjoyed traveling, yet his greatest adventures were following his grandchildren's activities. Whether it be basketball, soccer, hockey, baseball, volleyball, recitals, grandparents’ day or another event, Dick was their biggest fan. If he could not be there in person, he would watch online, keep statistics, and cheer them on from afar.

As the years passed, Dick faced health challenges with courage and gratitude. His family is deeply thankful for the compassionate care provided by the Fresenius Kidney Care of Sidney, the entire staff at the Landings of Sidney, and Day City Hospice.

Dick often said he was blessed with a rewarding career, lifelong friendships, meaningful adventures, and a family he adored. If he had one regret, it was simply wishing for more time with those he loved.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Minster, Ohio, and again on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in McCartyville, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Family and friends are invited to join the family for a meal and fellowship immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Anna Education Foundation – Ansley Family Scholarship Fund, PO Box 475, Anna, Ohio 45302 for scholarships for students pursuing careers in education, honoring Dick's lifelong commitment to teaching and learning.

Dick's legacy lives on through the generations of students he inspired, the athletes he coached, and the family he cherished. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

"A great teacher may never know where his influence ends." Mr. Ansley’s influence will continue for generations.