It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edward Eugene Ault, of Mansfield, on January 27, 2026. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 81.
Ed was born July 1, 1944 to Lewis and Hazel (Shirley) Ault in Marion County, Ohio. He grew up on a farm where he learned to love nature and animals. He was raised in a family of hard workers and loud talkers, and Ed adopted his parents’ strong work ethic. After graduating from Galion High School in 1962, he enlisted in the Air Force from 1962 to 1966 where he served part of his time in the Philippines. After serving, Ed attended The Ohio State University, and he remained an avid Buckeyes fan all his life. Later, he went on to obtain his MBA from the University of Dayton.
In the summer of 1967, he was set up on a blind date with Netta “Kay” Pittenger. They married in May of 1968, and during their 57 years together they built a loving home and family with their two daughters, Jennifer and Amber.
Although he worked more than 30 years before retiring as a budget manager for Sprint, Ed also built and maintained a flourishing business, Ault Rentals, and for many years his tenants would know him as kind and generous. In addition, he built and maintained a cabin on the Lake Fork River south of Loudonville, which he passed down, and his family still goes to enjoy rest and peace with nature. Ed and Kay loved traveling to various places, especially out West. As they grew older, they spent summers in Lakeside, and after retirement, winters in Florida, which their two adoring grandsons, Jordan and Collin, visited often.
Ed loved being outdoors, where he planted and maintained unique flowers and trees anywhere he could. He cultivated not just blooms but also laughter and joy with his disarming jokes and puns. He was funny, selfless, and generous. While he loved his two daughters and two grandsons fiercely, he also developed a special bond with his son-in-law, Dave, whom he treated as his own. He was devoted to his family but also had an amazing ability to make others feel welcome, loved, and part of the family.
He is survived by his wife Kay, daughters Jennifer Ault and Amber (Dave) Rader, grandsons Jordan and Collin Rader, and siblings Shirley Groll, Jim Ault, Rick (Cathy) Ault, and Tina (Bill) Kuenkele.
In addition to his parents, Ed is preceded in death by his oldest brother Bill, brother-in-law Bill Groll, and sister-in-law Jeri Ault.
Ed always said that if the worst thing people could say about him was that he was too nice, then he was alright with that. Well, that’s the worst thing we can think to say about him. He was unapologetically generous in spirit, and the world was certainly better with him in it. We miss him profoundly.
The Ault family will receive guests on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 11 am to 1 pm in the Snyder Funeral Homes, Marion Avenue Chapel. A funeral service honoring Ed’s life will begin immediately after. Burial to follow at Franklin Cemetery.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Ed’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Marion Avenue Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com