Obituaries

Rodney C. Sipple of Walton, Kentucky passed away on October 14, 2026 at St. Elizabeth in Edgewood Kentucky with his wife at his side and surrounded by loved ones after a short but devastating illness.

Rod loved his work, his family and the outdoor life. His home had a revolving door that was always open to his children and grandchildren. He would often grumble about running a “Motel 6”, but when they needed a place to land, he was always right there holding the door open for them. Of course, he was also offering up a lot of unrequested advice, inspired by a wealth of lifetime experience. Most of the time, it was very good advice, even when he offered it up with unorthodox style.

He was so very proud of his five grandchildren and shared a unique, special bond with each of them. His off the wall sense of humor often brought big laughs from the children and adults alike. He was very good at being the grumpy old papaw they could always count on. Being grumpy was his charm.

Rod was 68 years old and had not yet retired, although he was considering it. He had been considering it for several years. He started his employment in 1978 with Cincinnati Gas and Electric, continued his career with Duke Energy and was currently employed by Vistra Corp. He held many positions over his 48 years at the same location, the historical power plant, Miami Fort Station. His primary title was Safety Specialist, but he took on many special projects when asked. Always dependable, his coworkers knew he could be counted on to assist them when they needed a hand.

He and his wife Gillene “Gale” recently celebrated their 50th year anniversary. They married when they were just kids themselves and set about building a life together and family to include two sons, Jamey and Jeremy and a daughter, Jodie.

Rod was an avid outdoorsman He enjoyed hunting but his passion was fishing. He happily shared his considerable talent for the sport with his children and grandchildren, friends and family. He enjoyed Walleye fishing Lake Erie, Crappie fishing in Florida and Tennessee. In his younger years, he would often be found fishing the Ohio River for Sauger. In recent years, he could be found fishing Ky River or his Brother Randy’s lake. In years past, he spent quite a bit of time fishing Lake Okeechobee in Florida with his Father in Law, who shared his love of the sport. He planned to retire to Oak Harbor Ohio and he and Gale purchased a summer home there on the lake.

In addition to his wife, Rod is survived by two sons, Jamey (Mary) Sipple of Burlington and Jeremy Sipple of Taylor Mill; daughter Jodie Sipple of Walton; brother Randy Sipple (Sheri) of Crittenden; grandchildren Jerney Sipple, Jacob Sipple, Jordyn Schmidt, Jocelynn Veith, and Jamison Sipple; special grand puppy beagle Benny; and many cousins, co-workers, and old and new friends.

He was preceeded in death by his parents Athol and Edna Sipple; grandparents Zeno Sipple, Jeanette Hartman, Harlan and Stella Coomer; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Please join us on Saturday October 24, 2026 to celebrate the life of Grumpy Papaw Rod at Lloyd’s Welfare House at Grant County Park, 144 S. Main Street Crittenden Kentucky from 11am-6pm. It’s a fish fry of course! If you wish, please feel free to bring a covered dish to add to the menu, a cooler of your favorite beverages/ and a special story or memory of Rod to share.