Photo submitted to the Times Observer Ronnie and Joyce Weller have spent the last 72 years in their hometown of Tidioute, and in order to express their gratitude and benefit future generations they have created the Ronnie and Joyce Weller Tidioute Development Fund.

TIDIOUTE — Local resident Ron Weller found time beyond his busy schedule to serve on the Tidioute Charter School Board. He began his service on the board at the age of 69 and served almost 20 years before leaving the board at age 89.

With Joyce Weller’s support, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the students in the Tidioute Community received the best education possible.

“I just love working for and with my community,” said Ron Weller.

Tidioute is “home,” said Ronnie Weller. At “home” Ronnie’s fondest memories were playing baseball, going to school. Baseball is still his favorite, for sure. When not playing ball, Ron Weller spent his time working 14 hour days working at his families’ lumber mill, until 1959. In 1960, he made the career switch to NY Life Insurance, where he worked for 62 years until his retirement. While working as a life insurance agent; out of 12,000 agents Ron Weller was ranked as one of the top 100 agents — which is an especially notable commendation considering the rural community he served for over six decades.

Ronnie Weller had his first date with his future wife in Tidioute at the Soda Grill (long closed), at the time which was owned by Ron’s family. Fast forward 72 years and now Ron Weller and his wife, Joyce share a love for the community in which they have resided in for decades.

Ronnie and Joyce Weller began their lives together almost 72 years ago, in the same town where their children grew up and attended school, in Tidioute.

Ron and his wife, Joyce eventually had 33 family members living within 30 miles of one another — their children, three girls and one boy (Debbie, married to Rick Vance; Dani, married to Johnny Roberts; and Dale Weller, married to Margaret) with seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchildren.

They fully understand the symbiotic relationship that exists between a healthy business environment and local schools. As such, Ronnie and Joyce Weller remain resolute in their connection and commitment to the Tidioute community as a whole.

To accomplish this, they created the Ronnie and Joyce Weller Tidioute Development Fund, working in cooperation with the Community Foundation of Warren County, Inc.

“We are proud to have called this their hometown over these many years and now want to express this appreciation in a way that will benefit future generations for years to come,” said the Wellers.

It is their hope that this will stimulate economic growth by helping existing businesses thrive while simultaneously encouraging the emergence of new and exciting business ventures to meet the ever changing needs of residents and those visiting the town to enjoy the peace, quiet and beauty of the scenic forests and surrounding areas.

Businesses within a five-mile radius of the Tidioute Borough that would like to learn more about this opportunity, or those wishing to support it through a tax-deductible donation are encouraged to call Ronnie Weller directly, at (814) 730-1680.

Although Ron and Joyce Weller no longer reside in Tidioute, they still consider it their home and are looking forward to helping the community they deeply appreciated.