Ricky D. Born

Ricky Dean Born, age 66 of Defiance, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio.   
  
He was born on August 6, 1957 to the late Charles and Florence (Carter) Born in Toledo, Ohio. On July 19, 1976 he married Denise Johnson, who survives. 

Ricky worked as a forklift driver for over 29 years at Campbell's Soup Company until his retirement. He was a huge fan of the New York Giants, University of Michigan, and NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt Sr. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family and friends. Ricky will be incredibly missed by his family and all who knew him.  
  
Ricky is survived by his loving wife Denise, two daughters, Laura Born of Pettisville, OH and Heather Born of Defiance, seven grandchildren; Kayla Ayala, Matthew Born, Marina Ayala, Andres "A.J." Ayala, Correy "C.J." Williams Jr., Isiah Williams and Jayden McCullum, and four great-grandchildren; Ayden Ayala, Aleja Williams, Correy Williams III and Riverlynn Frysinger. He also leaves behind four sisters; Karen (Randy) Harris of Indiana, Jo Ann (Junior) Lowe of Holland, OH, Connie (Tim) McGranahan of Toledo and Sandy Jewell of Wauseon, OH, and his sister-in-law, Jenny Born of Georgia. 
  
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ted Born, and brother-in-law, Dennis Jewell.
  
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service to celebrate his life (casual wear optional) will be on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 11:00 am at the funeral home, with Rev. David Brobston officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery.
  
Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.