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                                   EXHIBIT 23
                                   ----------

                  We consent to the incorporation by reference and use of our
report dated February 4, 2000, on the consolidated financial statements of
Rurban Financial Corp. and Subsidiaries, which appears in Rurban Financial
Corp.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 and in Rurban Financial
Corp.'s Registration Statement on Form S-8 pertaining to the Rurban Financial
Corp. Stock Option Plan.


                                               /s/ Crowe Chizek and Company LLP
                                               --------------------------------
                                               Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP


South Bend, Indiana
March 27, 2000
