BELLVILLE: Dr. Ronald Lee Cyphers, age 78, “fought the good fight,finished the race, kept faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). A devoted chiropractor, beloved husband, father of thirteen, mentor, and servant of Christ, passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior, leaving behind a legacy of healing, faith, and boundless compassion.
Born in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late Franklin Omar and Martha “Marty” (Leeper) Cyphers, Ron graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1964 and answered a lifelong calling to help others through the healing arts. He studied at the National School of Chiropractic in Chicago, Illinois, where he deepened not only his clinical knowledge but his sense of mission. His work was never simply a profession—it was his ministry.
Ron first opened his chiropractic practice in Bellville, Ohio, inside the family home on Main Street, with a heart to serve and hands trained to heal. His mission expanded with the founding of the Acute Back Clinic on Lexington Avenue in Mansfield, where his approach to care was as generous as it was skillful. He welcomed patients at all hours, opened a treatment room in his own house for emergencies, and never turned anyone away—regardless of their means. To countless people, he was both healer and shepherd, often praying with patients and leading many to Christ through his humble witness.
He was a proud and active member of both the Mid-Ohio Chiropractic Association and the Ohio State Chiropractic Association. Dr. Cyphers served as an anchor of inspiration for many in the field—drawing others into the profession by his example. Among the most grateful are his many children who joined him in the office, worked beside him daily as he prayed over patients—father and children united in purpose and faith.
It was at a Youth for Christ regional gathering that Ron met the love of his life, Barbara Wolf. The moment he saw her perform, he told a friend, “I’m going to marry her.” After a gentle and joyful courtship, he did just that, and on May 31, 1968, he and Barbara began a 57-year marriage marked by constant companionship—always holding hands, always referring to her simply as “My Love.” Together they raised 13 children in a home grounded in grace, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
Dr. Cyphers was a devoted member of the church families at Marion Avenue Grace Brethren Church, Hilltop Community Church, and Berean Baptist Church. He taught small group and men’s Bible studies with the same care and conviction he brought to his clinical work, his teachings meticulously handwritten in countless yellow legal pads. A lifelong student of Scripture, he attended the Ashland Theological Practicum under Dr. Herman Hoyt, ever hungry to know and share more of God’s truth.
Ron’s life verse was Isaiah 40:31:
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…”
He cherished the eagle—its strength, its freedom, its soaring faith—and wore its image close to his heart in a necklace. He collected eagle figures and emblems, symbols of the hope and endurance that shaped his life.
Outdoors, he came alive—walleye fishing and boating on Lake Erie, hunting deer and turkey, golfing every Wednesday (and usually winning), and mowing the lawn with delight. Even as an amputee, Ron never complained, never let it define him. With humor and humility, he used his injury as a testimony: he often said that if it hadn’t happened, he would have never come to Christ. “I have one foot in heaven,” he’d say, always with a smile.
He lived life fast and full—driving his Honda trike motorcycle, cruising in convertibles, piloting his boats, and zipping around in golf carts with the same joyful energy that defined everything he did.
To know Ron was to be seen, cared for, and prayed for. He was a man of deep conviction, deep kindness, and unshakable hope. His life was a testimony to the healing power of faith, the joy of selfless service, and the enduring love of family.
He is survived by his devoted wife Barbara Cyphers, 13 children Michael (Barbie) Cyphers, Melissa Wilson, Charity Cyphers, Chastity (Luke) Howell, Christy Cyphers, David (Andrea Perrot) Cyphers, Tara (Nick) Cyphers, Candy (Al Ware) Cyphers, Jason (Angela) Vocal, Tyron (Elizabeth Courtright) Cyphers, Trent Cyphers, Terrence Cyphers, and Taz Cyphers; grandchildren Noah (Ashley) Cyphers, Logan Cyphers, Landin Cyphers, Gabriella Wilson, Caleb Wilson, Brooklyn Wilson, Isabella Howell, Mikayla Howell, Xander Cyphers, Max Cyphers, Adalyn VanHorn, Evie VanHorn, Haley Cyphers, Dylan Butt, Kayden Butt, Paxton Butt, Madison Vocal, Cameron Vocal, Emerson “Emie” Vocal, Jackson Cyphers, Joshua Cyphers, and Andreas Cyphers; great grandchildren Oaklynn Pearson and Lena Butt; brother and sister-in-law Frank (Jennie) Cyphers; sisters-in-law Becky Tilton and Kathy Wolf, a cousin like a brother Andy (Pat) Andonach, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends in Christ.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Mike Cyphers, sister Charlene Cyphers, sister-in-law Beth Wolf, brothers-in-law Tom Wolf, Blain Tilton, and a niece Tif Wolf.
Friends and family may call Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 2 pm to 7 pm in Berean Baptist Church where a service of Worship, Giving Glory to God for the Life Of Dr. Ronald Lee Cyphers will be held in the Church building Thursday at 11 am. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorial donations be made to the Berean Baptist Church Memorial Fund.
Please visit snyderfuneralhomes.com to read the full obituary and view Ron’s tribute video.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes – Lexington Avenue
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com