As Mark Twain once said, “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated,” or something similar to that. That quote is often misquoted. Likewise reports of Meeder’s Restaurant in Ripley closing are also untrue. In fact, Meeder’s, along with Sheila and Bob Bentley and crew, is alive and well and growing daily. Please indulge me in a little plug for my favorite restaurant, where everybody knows my name.

I had a couple people ask me if it was true Meeder’s was closing, which shocked the heck outta me! I am a regular at Meeder’s, usually at the breakfast table, and I hadn’t heard any such thing myself. So I went to the owners and bluntly inquired as to their state of business. I was assured they are in no danger of closing their doors, and although there were some financial difficulties during the Route 20 road closure two summers ago, they are once again full throttle.

Much of Meeder’s business comes from surrounding communities and I have heard time and again how much people love it there, not only for the home cooking, but for the friendliness of the people who dine there. (I like to think of myself as a welcome ambassador for the town of Ripley, often going up to complete strangers and asking where they’re from, what brings them to Ripley, etc. Perhaps I’m just being nosey. Guess it depends on your point of view.) It’s true regulars stop by almost daily, but in addition to that, Meeder’s provides meeting room for various clubs, groups, and organizations. Why, just the other day we were treated to an OSHA training session taking place in the “Florida” room, with a presenter so loud we could hear him in the dining room. (Be assured, OSHA will not demand we be fired for a first offense. One of the bits of information I gleaned from the presentation.)

Sheila (Trudy Babcock’s niece) and Bob Bentley took over the Ripley icon when Trudy passed away, and while honoring some of the things she used to do for the community, they have expanded that role. They routinely contribute to various functions around town, such as the library Valentine’s bake sale, the Ladies Auxiliary, and fund-raisers for worthy causes. They also have brought in car show in July, and will be hosting a motorcycle ride-in this year.

Menu additions have been added as well. As patrons request things, they are taken under consideration and sometimes added. I’m still bucking for croissants and crepes.

People laugh that if it weren’t for Meeder’s, Ripley would just close up. Lucky for us Meeder’s tries to help out our other businesses in town as well. Believe it or not, Ripley is growing! A bit slowly perhaps, but after 50 years of languishing for the “the good old days” it’s hard to accept change. Ripley has a long way to go, but at least it’s moving, and Meeder’s plays a major role in that progress. Thanks Sheila and Bob.

Robyn Near is a Ripley resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com