Kenneth Lee Eckenroth

Kenneth Lee Eckenroth, of Ashland passed away early Wednesday, August 18,2021 at the Ohio State University James Medical Center from Covid complications. He was 74 years old.

Born on September 14, 1946 in Mohnton, Pennsylvania to Willard and Marie Eckenroth, Ken spent his boyhood years in the “Keystone State”. In his adult years, he would find himself living and working in Virginia in Real Estate, Residential & Commercial Appraisals, and the Virginia Housing Development Authority. Moving to North Carolina meant new opportunities in both real estate and his love for the game of golf. As the owner and golf instructor of Briarcreek Golf in Raleigh, Ken would meet Cynthia Ann Gallaway, and life would never be the same.

Ken and Cynthia, were absolutely made for each other and were married in August of 2007 in a backyard wedding at Cynthia’s childhood home in Ashland. Although they returned to North Carolina for a few years, they moved back to Ohio in 2015.

There never seemed to be a subject that Ken didn’t know about! He embraced life and made the most of the opportunities given to him. He played in a band that would open for Frank Sinatra, learned how to make his own wine and vanilla, woodworking, being a gunsmith, e-bay trader, Praise Band director, aviation with his friend, Steve and helping save the Brookside Golf Course. He had a love for music and looked forward to being a part of local musical performances.

Two of the most important ventures in his life would be worshipping at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, North Carolina where his faith in Jesus would provide a foundation that would shape his spiritual growth. The second thing was coaching the Mapleton High School Varsity Golf Teams. He considered it an honor to guide these young men and women as they pursued a game he loved. He believed that golf was the closest game to the game of “life” that there was and encouraged his players to learn the life lessons that go along with the game.

Ken will be deeply missed by his wife of thirteen years, Cynthia, Father-in-law, David Gallaway, Brother and sister-in-law’s, Rich and Elaine Hess, Mark and Kit Gallaway; Nieces and nephews, Matt (Amanda) Hess, Kelly (Nate) Bradley, Zac (Sarah) Hess, Megan Gallaway, Greg Gallaway, and numerous great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation with the family is August 26, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Ken’s nephew, Zac Hess officiating. Both will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Ashland, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mapleton High School Golf program.

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