Russell C. "Rusty" Ahner

, of Overlook Drive, Franklin Township, passed away on Sunday, November 21st, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest Campus surrounded by his loving family.  He was the husband of DonnaMarie (Heckman) Ahner with whom he celebrated 38 years of marriage on April 30, 2021.

Born in Lehighton on February 1, 1957, he was the son of Jean (Wotring) Ahner of Franklin Township and the late Russell “Bups” & Daisy (Ashworth) Ahner Jr.  He was a 1975 graduate of Lehighton Area High School.

Rusty was currently employed by R&D Power Sports in Palmerton, PA since its establishment in 1999. 

Rusty was involved with the Franklin Township Athletic Association for 20+ years, was involved in various bowling leagues, a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, a die-hard groupie to the band “Mystery City”, and an avid Racing fan.  He enjoyed watching his son, Jared, race at Mahoning Valley Speedway with the #18 racecar, where he proudly served as the crew chief.  Rusty adored spending time with his family whether it be camping or visiting Knoebels Amusement Park each year, and most of all, he loved being “Pappy” to all his grandchildren.

Rusty was a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Lehighton and the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company.

Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are a daughter; SarahAnn (Ahner) Graver, wife of Luke Graver, and a son; Jared Ahner, and his wife Megan (Graver) Ahner, all of Franklin Township.  Six grandchildren; Cadence, Cora and Charlotte Graver, Mia Graver, Weston and Logan Ahner.  A sister, Karen Tracy; an aunt, Lois Remaley; and an uncle, Willard Ahner (Judy) all of Franklin Township. 

Stepsisters; Marylyn Szakacs, Debra Turner and Lisa Beidleman, Stepbrothers; Trevor Shellhammer and Jeffrey Shellhammer.  As well as nieces and nephews.  He was pre-deceased by an infant sister, Sandra.

Service:  Arrangements by Ovsak Funeral Home, Lehighton.  A celebration of life will be arranged in Spring/Summer of 2022

Contributions can be made in his honor to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) online at www.jdrf.org or by check, with the appropriate donation form (Greater Delaware Valley Chapter), and sent to “JDRF, PO BOX 37920, Boone IA 50037-0920”

or the American Heart Association online at https://www.heart.org/

Online condolences can be offered at www.ovsakfh.com

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