Raymond K. ‘Butch’ Eblen Jr.

Raymond K. “Butch” Eblen Jr., 60, of Rockford, died Saturday morning, March 14, 2015, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne, where he had been a patient since last Tuesday.

He was born February 16, 1955, in Celina, the son of Raymond Keith and Betty (Hull) Eblen, who both preceded him in death. On August 30, 2014, he married Tami (Ripley) Fickert, who survives in Rockford.

Other survivors include two stepdaughters, Elisha (Bart) Kuhn of Rockford and Taya Wann of Berne, Indiana; two grandsons; a sister, Margaret “Marg” Eblen Lindsey of Cincinnati; two brothers-in-law, Craig (Rita) Ripley of Willshire and Van (Kelly) Ripley of Convoy; one sister-in-law, Melanie Ripley of Lima; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

A sister, Mary Eblen, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at noon Tuesday, March 17, at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, with Pastor Mark Rutledge officiating. Mr. Eblen will be cremated and private graveside services will take place at the convenience of the family.

Calling hours are from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: To the family.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://ketchamripley.com.