John “Ben” Ault, age 88, of Upper Sandusky and formerly of Irvin Shoots Rd. in Morral, died Thursday evening, August 30, 2012, at the Fairhaven Community.
On September 20, 1923, Ben was born in Claridon Township of Marion County, the son of the late Alvin and Wilma (Williams) Ault.
He attended Marion Harding Schools until the 11th grade when he left school to begin working at the Marion Power Shovel.
After working for a few years at the Shovel, Ben enlisted to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he was stationed in California to patrol the Pacific Ocean.
While he was stationed in San Francisco, California, Ben and Betty Foust, were united in marriage on September 29, 1943. They shared over sixty five years of marriage and lovingly raised two sons, Michael and Gary. She preceded him in death on May 29, 2009.
It was in San Francisco, where they met Bernie and Gerry Johnson. Ben and Bernie were stationed together in the Navy and Betty and Gerry lived together during that time. They became devoted and lifelong friends, spending many holidays and vacations together as family.
Upon his honorable discharge, Ben and Betty returned to Marion and he resumed his position at the Marion Power Shovel. He was a dedicated worker in their electrical maintenance department for well over forty years, until his retirement in 1987. After his retirement, Ben worked maintenance for Mathews Ford.
Despite working long hours at the Shovel Company, Ben still found the time to build his own house. This project was his passion and he was proud of his home.
Once his sons started participating in sports in the Ridgedale School, Ben immediately became an avid fan of the Rockets. He attended every game until he was unable until to. He also helped build their bleachers and used to line their fields. For his dedication, he was given an honorary award by the school.
With a love for playing cards, Ben and Betty enjoyed playing euchre and pinochle in many card parties with their friends, especially their neighbors, the Matthews. In his younger days, he also enjoyed pitching horseshoes, and was an avid hunter of small game, such as rabbits and pheasant.
A man of honor and dignity, if any of his friends or family ever needed a hand with anything, Ben was always their first call because he always would drop whatever he was doing to help.
Very set in his ways, Ben liked to do things his own way. Appropriately, he had a plaque that said, “Lord grant me patience”… “But hurry”.
Ben was a member of the Meeker United Methodist Church, where he donated his talents for many years. He was also a life member of the American Legion Post 584.
He will be missed by his two sons and their spouses: Michael and Sharon Ault of Walled Lake, Michigan, and Gary and Judy Ault of Upper Sandusky; four grandchildren: Kevin (Jessica) Ault of Upper Sandusky, Kristin Ault of Columbus, Megan (Joe) Schuck of Cincinnati, and Kristen Donnelly of Toledo; four great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Chloe, Scyler and Abbi; a brother, Carl (Judy) Ault of Dayton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his wife and parents, Ben was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Ault; a sister, Ellen Ault; an infant sister, Ida Mary Ault; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
The Ault family will greet friends from 4 – 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will also be held there on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Joe Tressler officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veteran Council will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridgedale Schools Athletic Dept., and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Ben’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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