Russell "Rusty" William First

Russell “Rusty” William First, 53, of Wooster, passed away March 24, 2026.

He was born on July 26, 1972 to Russell S. and Bonnie (Leiner) First.

Rusty was a graduate of Smithville High School in 1990. He was a dairy farmer alongside his father on Firsthaven Farm in Wooster for much of his life. Most recently, Rusty was a laborer at AmeriGas Propane Services in Lodi, Ohio.

Rusty had the innate ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He was a hard worker that was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. This giving spirit was evident in the time he dedicated to assisting with transportation and operations for Manna for Many – a non-profit organization that provides nourishment to the hungry throughout the world. The friends and colleagues involved with this mission became some of his closest companions, for which he was truly thankful for their friendship and support. Rusty was an avid sports fan – never missing a high school football game and always ready to cheer on his Ohio State Buckeyes. He had an appreciation for a good ice cream cone and loved finding a new ice cream shop to visit. He loved Christmas, decorating the family home with thousands of lights and inflatable outdoor decorations as a tribute to his late father, who passed away close to Christmas in 2014. In 2024, Rusty entered his light display in the Wooster Chamber of Commerce’s “Let it Glow” light competition, winning the coveted “Clark Griswold” award that year – for which he took great pride in. Rusty was always armed with a “dad joke” or two and loved to make people laugh (or groan) with his humor. His lighthearted and energetic spirit is something his friends and family will miss the most.

Rusty will be deeply missed by his partner of 21 years, Jody Miller, stepdaughters Bailey and Kendell Miller, and loving dog, Millie. Rusty was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call Tuesday March 31 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home-Sherwood Chapel, Wooster. Private family burial will be at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, Wooster. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Manna for Many – an Anabaptist Mission at 8888 Mt. Hope Rd. Apple Creek, OH 44606.