Mary A. Ruth

Mary A. Ruth, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 5:45am at the James Cancer Hospital of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Mary was born on October 16, 1941 in Shelby, Ohio to Donald W. and Rachael V. (Keller) Cole, both of whom are deceased.  She grew up on a farm just outside of Tiro, Ohio.

She is survived by her son Timothy (Rachelle) Ruth of Payette, Idaho.  Six grandchildren: Aubry Booth-Spencer, Brisyn Cutburth, Caiden Cutburth, Devyn Ruth, Eadyn Ruth, and Faelyn Ruth.  Along with a sister, Carol (James) Minehart of Upper Sandusky, and a brother, Gary (Helen) Cole of Crestline.

Mary was a home economics teacher, an elementary teacher and an elementary guidance counselor for many years in Ohio and Virginia, retiring from the Licking Valley School System.  She was a 1959 graduate of Tiro High School, and Otterbein University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.  She went on to obtain her Master’s Degree from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

She was a member of the Unity Church of Delaware where she was an active volunteer on the fellowship and Sunday service hosting teams.  She also founded a lively monthly women’s brunch.  She was also active in Unity Churches in Santa Fe and Unity Church East from 2001 to 2009.  In those years, she served as President of the church board, served as monthly Sunday service host, led workshops and many other numerous fulfilling activities.

For hobbies, Mary was an excellent seamstress, quilter, avid reader, she enjoyed being in nature and hiking, and also gardening.  She loved fresh air and sunshine. Wherever she lived, Mary grew the most amazing gardens.  She lived many years in each Ohio, Virginia and Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she held a position of a Master Gardener and worked actively with the Santa Fe Master Gardeners Association.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Mary A. Ruth will be held at 4:00pm Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the Unity Church of Delaware located at 4277 Columbus Pike, Delaware Ohio, with Rev. Joanne Blum officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 4 pm, with a Memorial Remembrance to take place at 4pm. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Unity Church of Delaware, and memorials may be sent to Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351.

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