Bobby Eugene Ziy, son of Johnny and Natalie Ziy, was born Jan. 25, 1936, in Parma. He departed this life surrounded by family and friends from his beloved Ziy Valley Ranch in Hartville, on Feb. 6, 2022, at the age of 87 years young. Bob, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was a member of The Rock United Pentecostal Church and the American Legion Post No. 45. A genuine, hardworking, self-made man, he established a vast network of farmers and friends. Through his life experiences, first as the son of a sharecropper, picking cotton, working at the cotton gin, hiring out as a farm hand, serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, planting for Libby’s canning factory, R. Hershel Co. and retiring from Caterpillar after 27 years, he developed a passion for hard work and a deep understanding and love of his land and his cattle. Purchasing his first farm in Hartville during the 1970s while still working in Illinois, he began to cultivate what would become the crowning achievement of his life, the Ziy Valley Ranch. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Debra Ziy; stepchildren, Kerri Newcomb, Kurt Newcomb and Stephen Kramer; and grandson, Kai Newcomb; his brother, Paul Mooningham; sister, Betty King; along with his faithful companion, Charlie, to celebrate his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Peter, Logan and Donnie Mooningham; and sisters, Bonnie and Patricia Mooningham, Patsy Creed and Carma Doubet; and first wife, Betty. He was a dedicated farmer, devoted to his family and his community. He always had a story to tell or a song to serenade you with, before bursting out in his wonderful, familiar smile. His unique laughter can still be heard around the farm. “And God please watch over the cows.” Funeral Services for Bob Ziy were held Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at 10 a.m. at The Rock United Pentecostal Church, Seymour, with Pastor K.D. Cantrell officiating. Mike Campbell, Johannes Hylkema, Chris Laster, Kurt Newcomb and Keith Renkin served as escorts. Cecil Cullum, Harlin Williams and Kenny Williams served as honorary escorts. Visitation was held Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, from 4-6 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Hartville. Another visitation was held Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home, Morton, Ill. A graveside service followed at 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Memory Gardens, Morton, Ill., with Pastor K.D. Cantrell officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to The Rock United Pentecostal Church, or American Legion Post No. 45 in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
