Raymond E. Birtcher, 76, of Cheshire, and formerly of Deshler, died Monday, Jan. 29 at his residence, following a lengthy illness. He wa born Jan. 1, 1915 in Nelsonville to William and Hazel (Campbell) Birtcher. He married Julia Ceretes, and she died July 5, 1983. He married Ernestine Vaughn on Nov. 9, 1985, and she survives. Mr. Birtcher was a retired Methodist minister who served with churches in Deshler and Northwest Ohio. He was a member of the West Ohio Conferences of the United Methodist Church. Also surviving are a son, Ray of Napoleon; four daughters; Hazel Evans, Hanlawson, W. Va., Margie Browning, Huntington, W. Va., Pat Schultz, Wauseon; Nancy Hornish, Port Charlotte, Fla.; a stepdaughter, Barbara Angel, Wheelersburg; a step-son, Fred Gillenwater; Wichita, Kan.; 18 grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren and two brothers, Floyd of Mamn, W. VA.; and Guy of Napoleon.