Donald Ruth

Donald Ruth, 78, of Summit Township quietly slipped away Monday to be with his heavenly Father after a valiant battle with congestive heart failure. He was surrounded by his family whose love and prayers went with him as he made this life's final journey. Don leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Mildred (Fox); and three daughters, Debbi Ruth, Martha Shoop and Michelle. He will be greatly missed by his three grandsons, Rich and Greg Ridinger and Shadoe Brandt; and his granddaughter, Serena Brandt. Coby, his great-grandson, will miss his "Pappaw." Don also leaves behind a brother, Glenn Ruth; two sons-in-law, Rex Brandt and Larry Shoop; and several nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Wendy (Ridinger) Devore; his mother, Florence (Barnhart) Ruth; his father, Robert Ruth; a sister, Helen Rose; and a brother, Russell Ruth. He also will be greatly missed by his constant companions, his three Yorkies and Brady, his devoted cocker spaniel. Don was born on Ruth Hill near Craigsville on March 22, 1932. After high school, Don worked for Logan Clay in Worthington for 17 years and at Pullman Standard before starting his own painting contracting business. He also was a lover of history, and depending on his passion at the time, he was a great collector of it. Over his life, Don acquired several collections dedicated to his then current interest including a horse-drawn carriage collection, an antique car collection, both a Civil War and World War II collection worthy of a museum; and in his final years, he had started collecting steam engines and old oil well memorabilia. His knowledge on any of these subjects was endless, and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with friends. He was a great storyteller, lover of a good scare and enjoyed drawing cartoons for his family. Don's other great love was flying. He received his pilot's license at 18 and flew for more than 30 years. He loved traveling, and spent many hours over this beautiful country. Don was a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Butler. Although he will be sadly missed by his friends and family, his love of God and his faith in Jesus gives comfort to everyone because they know they will see him again in heaven. Friends of Donald Ruth, who died Monday, Oct. 11, 2010, may pay their respects at the Young Funeral home in Butler on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be at Cornerstone Baptist Church on Mercer Road at 1 p.m. Friday. His friend and pastor, John Barkley, will officiate. A short burial service will follow at Gruenwald Cemetery on Bonniebrook Road. The family would like to send a thank you and blessing to the many members of the medical team in the ICU at Butler Memorial Hospital for making his last days with us as comfortable for him as possible. Your compassion was greatly appreciated.

Donald Ruth

March 22, 1932 - October 11, 2010