Rynd

John Edgar “Ed” Rynd, 84, of Slippery Rock, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2026. He was born March 4, 1942, in Meadville, Pa., and was the son of Jack and Jean Gibson Rynd.

Ed grew up working on the family’s heritage dairy farm, where he developed the strong work ethic, practical wisdom and deep love of farming that shaped his entire life. Rynd Home Farm was his pride and joy — a place where he found purpose, peace and memories shared with family and friends. Whether working the fields, mending a fence or simply watching the sunset over the pastures, Ed felt most at home there.

He graduated from Cochranton High School in 1960. Ed proudly served in the United States Army for two years in Korea, rising to the rank of sergeant. After returning home, he continued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Edinboro College and a master’s degree in education along with his principalship certificate from Westminster College.

On July 17, 1976, Ed married the love of his life, Elaine Dietrich, with whom he shared 49 years of devoted and joyful marriage. She survives him.

Ed dedicated his career to teaching elementary students in the Moniteau School District, where he served with great care and genuine commitment until his retirement in 2002. His passion for history and civics was evident in every classroom he entered, and he remained fondly remembered by generations of students.

A gifted storyteller, Ed delighted friends and family with tales of deer hunting adventures, dairy farm life, John Deere tractor restorations and local political happenings. His warmth, humor, and ability to connect with others made him a cherished presence in every room.

Ed cared deeply for his family — his wife, siblings, nieces, nephews and the many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews who adored him.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; sisters, Marion Jean Simons of Quakertown, Pa., and Margaret Mina Pearson of South Pasadena, Calif.; brothers, Dennis (Marsha) Rynd and James (Laurie) Rynd, both of Cochranton; Robert (Shirley) Rynd of Beaver Falls, Pa. and Dallas Rynd (Judy Wolford) of Ashville, Ohio; as well as his sister-in-law, Jane Rynd.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David Rynd.

Ed’s life was defined by service, loyalty, curiosity and love. His stories, his laughter and his steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

RYND — Friends and family of John Edgar “Ed” Rynd, who died Saturday, May 9, 2026, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 15, at DICKSON FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 123 S. Franklin St., Cochranton, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at noon Saturday, May 16, at New Beginnings Church, 13226 Leslie Road, Meadville, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorials be made in Ed’s name to the David Rynd Scholarship Fund, Community Foundation of Western PA, 7 W. State St., Suite 301, Sharon, PA, 16146 or PSCE Crawford, Penn State Extension, Attn: Crawford County 4-H, 16871 Craig Road, Saegertown, PA 16433.

To view or express condolences, please visit www.dicksonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.