Neil Ray Rhines, 77, of Franklin, passed away at 4:20pm on Monday, August 17th, at Sugarcreek Station following a brief illness.

Born January 9th, 1938, Neil was the son of the late Ray E. Rhines and Ruth N. Brown Rhines. He married the former Twila E. Smith on September 17, 1960, who survives.

Neil was a graduate of Franklin High School. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a printer at Polk Center. He was a member of St. Johns Episcopal Church, and the Izaak Walton Pistol Club. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed traveling, especially to Alaska. Neil was an “old, old” classic country music lover. He also sang in the local barbershop quartet.

In addition to his wife, Neil is survived by two daughters Cheryl Snyder of Franklin, and Evelyn Rosengarten and her husband, Kenneth, of St. Louis, MO; and his four grandchildren, Benjamin Dechant and his wife, Elisha, of Franklin, Phillip Dechant and his wife, Lindsay, of Franklin, Aaron Dechant and his wife Amanda, of Cochranton, and Daniel Dechant of Franklin; and his eight great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister, Lyril Banister, of Cumming, GA.

In addition to his parents, Neil was preceded in death by his two brothers, Gene and Glenn, and his sister, Mary.

A memorial service for Neil will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Franklin on Saturday, August 29 at 11am, with the Rev. Richard Rowe, officiating. The Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc. in Franklin will be in charge of arrangements.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1128 State St., Ste. 301, Erie, PA 16501-1920; and/or St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1145 Buffalo St., Franklin, PA 16323.

Family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com to send flowers, cards, online condolences, or for further information.