Rayle
GILBOA — Putnam County Recorder Lori Rayle died Sunday evening at the age of 61, less than two years into her term in office.
Rayle took office last year after serving as a deputy recorder in Putnam County for 15 years under her predecessor Cathy Recker. She ran for the Recorder’s office as the Republican candidate in the November 2020 election, defeating Democratic nominee Dawn Maag. Her term began in January 2021 and was set to continue until 2025.
According to her obituary, Rayle was “a loving grandmother, mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend,” who is survived by her husband, three children and eight grandchildren. She “loved vacationing with her family and spending time with her family and friends.” Her visitation and funeral will be held Friday at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Leipsic.
Tony Schroeder, Chairman of the Executive and Central Committees of the Putnam County Republican Party, outlined how succession will take place in the wake of Rayle’s death. He said that the Republican Party will be responsible for appointing someone to hold the office until a successor is elected in the next election, as outlined under Section 305.02 of the Ohio Revised Code. The Republican Party will hold a public meeting in the coming weeks to finalize its selection.
Sherri Britsch, a deputy recorder in the office, was sworn in Tuesday as Interim Recorder by the Putnam County Commissioners. She will oversee the duties of the office until the Republican Party can make its appointment.
The Putnam County Recorder’s Office did not respond to a request for comment.
