George Albert Rinehart

2024 at Brentwood Health Care Center after a brief period of declining health.

Maxine, his loving wife of over 63 years, preceded him in death in January 2023.

George was born September 6, 1934, in Greenville Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania to

the late John “Paul” and Margaret (Vesper) Rinehart. After graduating from Collinwood HS in

Cleveland, Ohio in 1953, he began his studies at Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. There he

received a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in History and a Minor in Secondary Education in 1957.

He met his wife Maxine in College, and they were married after her graduation in June 1959.

George graduated from Asbury Seminary in 1960 and was accepted as a minister for the United

Methodist Church. George has been a resident of Rootstown for over 50 years.

George began his ministry career in 1960 in Clinton County, Ohio where he served as a full-time

circuit preacher for five United Methodist churches in the heart of farm country. He managed

ministering to each church on rotating Sunday services along with his pastoral duties until 1964

when he moved with his wife and family to Rootstown, Ohio. George spent over two decades as

a full-time fifth grade teacher for Rootstown Elementary school. He completed a Masters of

Education at the University of Akron in 1969. He was an active Boy Scouts leader for several

years for both his sons and assisted with the Girl Scouts for his daughter. George spent

many a weekend camping with his Scouts and sharing his love of the outdoors. He was an avid

reader of western novels and non-fiction history. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage and

repaired countless lawnmowers and small engines for friends and neighbors.

He was a member of the Rootstown United Methodist Church for 21 years until joining the founding of Community Bible Church. He actively served as Assistant Pastor for many years at Community Bible Church for which he thoroughly enjoyed to help others in their time of need and to inspire others through the Word of God.

George is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his grandson Zachary Rinehart.

Survivors include brothers Ron (Linda) Rinehart & Don (Brenda) Rinehart; Sons John & Philip

Rinehart, Daughter Ruth (Denny) Pickens; 5 grandchildren, Michael Pickens, Heather{(Joe)

Svidron} Pickens, Ashleigh Pickens, Madison Rinehart & Ethan Rinehart; 3 great- grandchildren, Adaline, Lauren and Emily Svidron.

A Celebration of life service will be held at Community Bible Church, 3671 Tallmadge Rd. in

Rootstown on Sunday January 12th, 2025. Visitation with the family will be from 1:30–3:00PM with the service beginning at 3:00PM. Interment will be in Homeland Cemetery. No graveside services will be held.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wood-kortright-

borkoski.com for the Rinehart family.