Robert William Ewing

Robert William Ewing, known to many simply as "Bob," decided to make his final exit on April 17, 2026, at the Hospice House, leaving behind a legacy as sturdy and memorable as the trees he spent his career trimming. Born in Steubenville, OH, on September 11, 1967, Bob made quite the impression during his time on Earth – a man who could yank a radio from his vehicle with enough gusto to break an elbow but still proudly claim the radio came out "so very easy." Not just any radio removal story, that one.

An alumnus of Wintersville High School JVS, class of 1986, Bob played for the Big Red High School Football Champions in 1984, though he famously missed the champagne dinner because he was too sick to attend—the team's loss and probably a bonus for his parents' peace of mind. His post-high school life led him to become a Tree Trimmer Climber for BEST Tree Service in Steubenville, a job no one else dared to claim but Bob tackled with gusto—often hanging out at heights that might make an average person break into a sweat. Funny enough, he took his daughter up into a tree on a saddle when she was just two years old, sparking her own love of heights. It's safe to say those genetics and childhood experiences were on point.

Bob was a Yhwh-fearing, wonderful man who etched his name not only into the bark of the trees he climbed but also deep into the hearts of his family. He was described as loving, caring, and the mom's soulmate – a title no doubt earned by patiently enduring his sense of humor, often highlighted by his rendition of “Last Stop of the Train,” which friends and family remember fondly.

He loved to draw, particularly guns, and once made a valiant but probably slightly tragic effort trying to sketch a tree visible outside the window of his son’s house. Despite possibly lacking the artistic flair of Michelangelo, his earnestness won the day. His willingness to help—even when he couldn’t necessarily pull it off perfectly—was a testament to his good nature.

Bob’s proudest accomplishments were his family: his wife Valaire Lynn (Horner) Ewing, his partner in life for 39 years; their five children — Brittany “Bretagna” (Jordon) Saggio of Weirton, Robert II (Nikita) Ewing of Steubenville, Bernard (Kay) Ewing of Lisbon, Kelly Ewing of Cincinnati, and Katie McNulty of Columbus — plus seven grandchildren who have no shortage of amusing stories about Grandpa Bob: Robert III, Angel, Sophia, Oliver, Thomas, Elena, and Otto. Not to be forgotten, he also fostered two children, Donald and Christine, proving his heart was as vast as the forest he loved. Surviving siblings Wilber and Brenda Ewing of Toronto carry on the family tradition of adding a little Ewing flair to the Great White North, also one Uncle David A (Cheryl) Black of Wintersville, OH. 

Preceding him in death are his parents, William Samuel and Roslie Ann (Black) Ewing, along with sister Darla Ewing Wright—no doubt already starting stories for him in whatever afterlife comedy club exists.

Bob passed from natural causes due to unforeseen circumstances, a phrase which sounds suspiciously like “Bob just decided life was more fun without an elbow” if you spend enough time pondering it in his trademark style.

A Celebration of Life Services will be held at a later date, giving everyone time to practice their best “Last Stop of the Train” impression and gather plenty of stories. Until then, here’s to Bob—tree climber, radio yanker, amateur artist, loving family man, and all-around great guy. May his memory continue to grow tall and strong, like the very trees he so passionately trimmed.  Schuetz Funeral Home is assisting the family. 

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