Memorial Trees
M
Mo
July 08, 2025
T
Trevor and Kevin
July 06, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Stephen Lee Aills
<p>Stephen Lee “Steve” Aills departed this world on July 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. Steve was born to Stephen Joe Aills of Richwood and the late Janis Matilda (Bunten) Aills on April 3, 1969, in Delaware, Ohio. The young family made a life for themselves in Delaware and welcomed a younger son, Christopher Joe Aills in 1975. In 1992, Steve gained another brother, Joey Stinemetz, through his father.</p><p><br></p><p>Steve, who was affectionally referred to as “Exit” by many of his close friends, often recounted his fun childhood days having crazy adventures around Delaware with his friends and relatives from movie nights at the Strand to sleepovers with cousins, he had many fun days. Exit developed a life-long love of music from an early age, often asking his parents for musical instruments for his birthdays and Christmas. At the encouragement of his father, he also became involved in weightlifting in his youth, even getting to participate in national competitions due to his skill.</p><p><br></p><p>Exit’s real passion always remained in the arts. He received a scholarship to study at the Columbus College of Art and Design’s high school program. Steve managed a tee-shirt business for a while after high school, which allowed him to pursue his love for drawing, a passion he held throughout his entire life. He was particularly fond of drawing aliens and skulls. Steve also remained devoted to music, serenading crowds around Delaware and Columbus, using the stage names the Titanic Blues Section and later Testmonkey.</p><p><br></p><p>In 1995, Steve welcomed a daughter, Gabrielle “Gabby” Ryann, with Kelly whom he was married to for many years. There were many family adventures over the years including trips to Oak Island, North Carolina. Exit absolutely loved the beach. Their cat, Potter, and papillon dog, Coco Chanel, were also special parts of Steve’s life. Many friends and family recall seeing Steve happily walking Chanel around Sandusky Street before her passing. He later gained a buddy with a chihuahua named Rylo, who misses Steve dearly, but will be well cared for by loved ones.</p><p><br></p><p>Gabby happily recalls many of the fond memories she has of her dad. He would sit down and play with her and her action figures when she was growing up, bring home boxes from his old job at DelCo and help her build forts, take her to Hobby Central to buy comic books after school, and surprise her with ice cream from Dairy Depot or an Iced Capp from Tim Hortons. Steve and Gabby had a tradition when she was younger of getting a pizza from Donato’s on Monday nights after her rec league basketball practice, sometimes splurging to get the Founder’s Favorite. Basketball proved not to be her forte, but the father-daughter pair enjoyed many pizza outings together over the years.</p><p><br></p><p>Steve is preceded in death by his mother, Janis Aills, and younger brother, Christopher Aills. He is survived by his daughter, Gabrielle (Jordan) Lyle-Russell, his father, Stephen (Sharon), his youngest brother, Joey, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Steve will be lovingly remembered by all his loved ones.</p><p><br></p><p>Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Robinson Funeral Home, 32 West Winter Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015, where funeral services Officiated by Rev. Donnie Akers will follow at 1:00 pm. Burial will take place at Claiborne Cemetery in Richwood, Ohio. </p><p><br></p><p>Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.robinsonfuneralhomeinc.com </p><p><br></p><p>The Robinson Funeral Home in Delaware is assisting the family with arrangements. </p>April 3, 1969 - July 1, 202504/03/196907/01/2025
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