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Ruth Rencevicz Obituary

Ruth E. Rencevicz (Sechrist)

Ruth E. Rencevicz, born Ruth Elizabeth Sechrist on August 28, 1927, passed away on September 7, 2008 due to complications resulting from her children making her old before her time.

(Ruth had a playful and irreverent outlook towards life, an attitude that she was fortunate enough to retain right up until the time of her death. This obituary is being written with that philosophy in mind. If you find this particular viewpoint offensive, then read no further. Instead, please take comfort in knowing that Ruth fought her leukemia courageously right up until the very end, and that she died peacefully in her sleep.)

Ruth passed away amongst the rich and famous in Greenwich, Conn. She is survived by brother, Clyde; sons, Wade, Bernard, Phil and Jon; daughters, Lisa and Sonya; grandchildren, Trevor, Grace, Casey and Sammy; an illegitimate child conceived when the circus was in town named Greg "The Donkey" King; her favorite dog, Lucy; and her favorite cat, Derrick.

Over the years, in addition to her regular jobs as a full-time mom and a switchboard operator at both Sears and BFG Federal Credit Union, Ruth also served her country as a covert spy for the Central Intelligence Agency, where during the Cold War she was largely responsible for the breakup of the Soviet Union near the end of the 20th century. At least, that's the way she told it.

Ruth was also very active as a volunteer with youth in her community in Tallmadge, Ohio, where she was known to selflessly give of her time by standing on her balcony yelling at kids for "playing that rap music" at all hours of the day and night. She also served as a mentor to young people by throwing rocks at teenagers dressed in loose baggy pants with their underwear exposed. She winged a couple of 'em pretty good, from what we understand.

Although born in Hammondsville, Ohio, Ruth enjoyed summering in Greenwich, Conn., where she loved drinking Fresca with Absolut Ruby Red vodka, and stalking Peter Jennings and Jack Black.

Ruth reported being abducted by aliens several times during her life, and we don't mean the good kind of aliens who come from outer space. We're talking about illegal immigrant aliens from Mexico and West Virginia. Oddly, Ruth never really complained much about these kidnappings.

Ruth was adamant that people use the occasion of her passing to remember and celebrate her life. In lieu of formal funeral proceedings or viewing hours, she requested that those who remember and cared about her share both a special memory and a drink in her honor. Preferably Bud Light Lime, or if that's not available, gasoline or floor wax.

Published by Akron Beacon Journal on Sep. 10, 2008.
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Have had Ruth on my mind the last couple of days...specifically, her remarking on my lack of proper housekeeping. We had some good times way back in the day!

Cathy Croft

July 11, 2023

Thank-you Janice ! I have not seen you since you left Palestine when we were kids. Uncle Chris ( Clyde) has passed also. Aunt Biddy (Martha VanDyke) also raised me for a few years before I moved to MD in 1958. Ruth was indeed one of a kind and we miss her dearly.

Wade Howard (Butch)

Family

February 9, 2023

I remember and her brother Clyde from the early fifties.my great aunt , Martha van Dyke took care of them for several years after their parents died.. I used to play with butcher, who I think is wade. Wondered what became of the three.my sister ran across Ruth´s o bit.. I remember her red hair and she was always on the goo.. I´m not sure she stayed in touch with my great aunt,, just some thoughts.. I think she enjoyed her life, an old long ago acquaintance from east Palestine Ohio. Our family left for the Air Force in 1953 and headed south.. Janice Huston meyers hot springs Arkansas.. hello butcher and Clyde!

Janice huston meyers

February 8, 2023

I thought I should share this, after re-reading so many messages here. A couple of weeks after my mom(Ruth) died, I was in the process of selling her car. An older gentleman had come to look at it, with his wife and daughter. In the process of negotiations, they asked why I was selling it. I told them my mother had passed, mentioned her first name, and he pulled out his wallet and unfolded the obit. He said, "THIS Ruth?" I almost fell over. I knew he had to buy the car. So did he. He told me, he instructed his kids to use my mom's obit for him, when the time came. Just change the name and picture.
Thank you, to all of that have left your thoughts over the years. I think I've gone through a whole box of tissues just in the last 2 hours.

Jon Rencevicz

Family

September 5, 2021

Here it is Sept 2020 your mom brings joy to all our hearts from where ever she's toasting. She will always be remembered for her love and special bond her children share with this world. A toast to Ruth the wonderful may you rest in peace. your friend Linda

Linda & Chris

Friend

September 4, 2020

Thank you Linda!! We miss her. Helps so much knowing how many lives she has touched.

Sonya Renceviz

November 11, 2015

To Ruths family: I too remember your mom' with smiles for being fun and having great children who love her and keep her light shining....God bless all of you.
A repeat reader....Akron Ohio

linda

November 7, 2015

Dear family of Ruth, Nearly 7 years after her death she is still making folks smile. I have kept her obit since 2008 that was sent to me by a friend in Ohio. When I need to read something fun, I turn to her. I bet she never thought that years later she would still be remembered by perfect strangers. Or maybe that was exactly her plan! Surely her family and friends still miss her every day. She was a woman I would have loved to have met while she was alive. Did she ever think she would touch so many people all over the country for years after her passing? I hope when it is my time to go that God sees fit to take me to heaven to have a beer with Ruth! She must have been a very special lady.

Nancy

April 27, 2015

Your Mom I am sure was a wonderful person! I am sure that her children are just as great! God Bless her and all of you her loving Family.

Nick Cistone

July 30, 2014

Tooo Ruths's family-It's awesome that smiles are so very felt from coast to coast....May her family feel blessed to have had such a great Mom, she is a mother to many now...!!!!blessings...may each day be filled with joy & continued happy memories

linda

March 14, 2014

I read this obit on the "Uncle Johns Bathroom Reader" and had to look it up. Uncle John's did not do it justice! I am certain Ruth was a special lady who brought joy into everyone's life and, even though I did not know her, I will use this obit as inspiration to live my life every day with joy and humor and to try to bring that same joy and humor to everyone I come in contact with! Thank you to Uncle John for keeping Ruth alive and thank you to the family for capturing Ruth's spirit and sharing it with those of us who did not know her personally!

Louis

September 17, 2013

So glad I'm signed up to receive a notification when someone signs the guest book. I love reading this. I hope the family keeps it going forever. I wonder if this has ever made the national news...like CNN or something. Thanks Ruth! You bring suck a smile to so many.

Barb Halas

August 2, 2013

I was so pleased that someone made an entry to Miss Ruth, because I went back to her obit and laughed sooo hard. I would have loved this ole lady....she must have been a really cool chick. I hope to be remembered as lovingly as she is, and even tho I never met her, her spirit still shines thru to me!!!!!!

Jill Griffin

August 1, 2013

Hello,
I am searching for information regarding Libby Sechrist, and came across your mother's obituary.
I'm sorry I never knew her; I think I would have loved her.
Thank you for sharing.

Amy Reifsnyder

July 31, 2013

So many times this obit brings me joy...Blessings to all who knew the fun lady...God bless the wonderful family too! :.) smile OHIO thanks to Ruth!!! Merry Christmas to all
Linda ~ Akron

Linda

December 9, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving Mom.We miss you everyday.In fact,the more days that go by,the more we realize how much you did for us,and how much you were there for us.Samson just had to write a time-line of his life for school.He had to come up with 10 of his most memorable moments.All on his own,he came up to me and asked,"Daddy,when did Gramma die?".He was 6 years old then.Your definitely still with him,and will always be with all of us.
I'll toast to you on Thursday,but do they still make Bud lite lime? I'll switch back to the original,Keystone Lite,yeecchh,in the plastic lined can,if I can find it in Connecticut.

jon Rencevicz

November 22, 2011

Thank you Jacque for your post.
I agree - it is a great obit and she was a great person! We Miss her tremendously.

Sonya Rencevicz

November 18, 2011

I still keep this obit in my favorites, she was such a great person, I wish I had have known her,

jacque teeple

November 17, 2011

I truly believe Ruth is my long lost twin...what a great person...wish I could have known her, but then, I AM her ! What a blessing she must have been to all who were lucky enough to share a portion of her life. I'm lifting a Bud Lite lime in her honor...May your spirit be with us always Ruth... and may your journey continue...

Judi Wilhelm

June 22, 2011

To Ruth.....A stranger who's brought much joy after her earthly life to many....You make the sunshine on a cloudy day...SALUTE too family! May we all bring smiles when were gone.
Linda Akron, Ohio

Linda

March 31, 2011

In remembrance of Ruth in her perpetual youth, looking down from above with perpetual love, immortalized by family humor and laughter, we'll see ya in the Great Hereafter.

Kathi Shaffer

March 29, 2010

Dear family.....thanks for sharing this beautiful lady with all of us...she brings many smiles..I know your hearts are filled and will continue to spill with joy making this world a better place in rememberance of ruth....... Happy Valentines 2010

February 14, 2010

I keep this obit in my favorites. I just love to read it from time to time. What a cool lady!

Barb Halas

September 26, 2009

No words could of said it better then Jo Dangel did. Thank you Rencevicz family for sharing Ruth. I never knew her, but she made me a happier person. Ruth I just lost Helen,someone I loved. She had your same humor. Keep her by your side. Mary Scovell, Akron,Ohio

September 10, 2009

I did not realize that a year has passed since Ruth moved on to heaven and a perpetual happy hour while her obit made the rounds. Although I did not know her, that obit still hangs on the bulletin board over my desk, and many friends have marveled at it over the last year. And friends and family have been enjoying "Ruthie" cocktails - Ruby Red Vodka with Fresca - since then as well. Thank you Rencevicz family for sharing Ruth with all of us...

Jo Dangel

September 9, 2009

Ruth,it's been one year since we hugged you "good-bye" in our driveway,not knowing that that would be our last time to see you. Our thoughts and memories of you are so vivid and strong,as I hope they always will be,that it's hard to believe so much time has passed. Before you left our house that day,you walked through the yard picking the old blooms off the flowerpots you and Jon had planted just as you had done many summers in a row. You always seemed so happy in the garden surrounded by pretty flowers and nature(void of snakes). The kids and I planted a whole bunch of tulip,hyacinth and daffodil bulbs to remind us of you when they bloom every spring. We will plant a little more every year to finally have that big bed of spring flowers you always wanted.

I'll always remember you,Ruth,as the most self-motivated,hard-working,organized and caring mother of six and grandmother of four as well as a blast to party with. My fondest memory is of you and Jon kicking it up on the dance floor at Eric & Andrea's wedding. Wherever we went or whatever party we were at,everyone always loved you and you were always a hit.

What I will forever remember about Ruth:
-Entre' of choice-Prime rib or steak-passed over the flames,the bloodier the better
-Favorite wardrobe colors-Navy blue and bright White accent red or pink
-Not big on sweets but always room for a Keystone Light
-Never seen without your make-up on
-Favorite flowers-Red,red tulips and pink or coral impatiens
-Favorite foods you made for us-Macaroni & egg,stuffed peppers,potato soup,chicken chow mein,beef stroganoff and chili(the kids favorite)
-Mayonnaise to shine your houseplants
-Parties must have shrimp cocktail on ice,deviled eggs and more food than humanly possible for your guests to finish


Casey says that she misses the times at your apartment when the two of you would stay up late watching T.V. in your bedroom eating popcorn after Samson fell asleep.

Samson misses staying with you and having grilled cheese sandwiches,yogurt and key lime pop.

I miss you,Ruth. We all miss you so much! I wish you'd walk in our house and say "Hi" in your high pitched happy tone of voice and give me the latest scoop on all your six kids and two other grandkids. Those hours were full of interesting stuff with you doing most of the talking.

I love you! We love you & miss you,
Chris,Jon,Casey & Samson

Chris Krieger

September 8, 2009

Hi Mom.Pretty hard day.I didn't expect it.I happened to drive by a lot of places today,that reminded me of you.Of course,the first had to be the oncologists office.I hadn't even realized,I'd been driving past it a couple times a week for the last 6 months.Then I went past Quaker Square,where I picked you up after all of your worldly travels.The hard one was Samson's baseball field.You never got to see him play.Worse than that,he never got to see you see him play.Went past a garden center,and all I could think of was that you didn't like mums.Of course you always told me to buy some anyway."It's not my house,do what you want".My last stop today,a Friday,was at the same place I was when I got the phone call from you telling me you have leukemia.That was also a Friday.I tried to calm you down,told you to wait for all the results to come in first.But when that didn't work,I went and bought a case of beer.A 12 pack for you,(Keystone light,the real Ruth beer)and a 12 pack for me(anything other than Keystone Light,otherwise known as real beer).I don't know if we drank it all that night.I do know we tried.

Casey was crying in bed about 2 weeks ago.She was missing you.I told her I'd been thinking a lot about you also lately,and I was very happy to know that she still felt so much for you after a years time.She misses you badly,as do I,Samson and Chris.She decided to make a small wooden box that says,"Notes for Grandma" on it.She wants us to write anything we want to you,and then put it in the box.She also wants to have keylime pie once week for dessert in memory of you.These are the things that are the toughest for me.

You never hesitated when it came to spending time with Casey and Samson.They'll never forget that.Neither will Chris and I.It's not easy finding a babysitter who will do the opposite of everything you ask,AND not get paid to do it.


So tonight is for you Mom.Bloody,rare steaks,cooked on the grill.Keystone Light(I have one left in the fridge,it's been there a year ,so it should pretty much taste the same as the fresh stuff),and keylime pie.

Happy Birthday Mom,I love you and miss you.We all love you and miss you.

Jon,Chris,Casey and Samson

August 28, 2009

I just wanted to let you know that Ruth has truly made an everlasting memory to many. I received an email in October 2008 from my Mom with Ruth's obit saying how funny this women must have been. I've kept that email since I've received it..and days when I'm upset, sad or even bored I look in my "saved funny emails" and always get a great laugh at this.

What a woman Ruth must have been! Losing a loved one is never easy, but I hope all of you know that her memory is living on in the lives of strangers who just stumble upon her very lively and playfully written obituary .. Cheers! (to floor wax.. haha)

Brooke

August 13, 2009

Lisa and family, I was so sorry to hear of your moms passing!! She was a great lady and I will always remember all the great times at your house and Munroe Falls Park. She was the best cook out there!! I do feel your pain as we lost our dear brother Joe Dec. 22 due to cancer. I will always remember your mom with fond memories!! Cindy Estes Smith

June 17, 2009

This is inspirational. Ms. Rencevicz must have been an oustanding woman with an uplifting spirit! Your love for her and her exceptional humor shines through in these words.
I hope you find comfort in knowing that she continues to make people smile..even a perfect stranger. God bless. D.Markel

February 25, 2009

WOW--527 enteries---and they still are being posted! You guys made your mother remembered by everyone forever. I hope she is still having a good laugh drinking her ruby red vodka and spying upon Peter Jennings from her heavenly outpost. Cheers!

c c

February 22, 2009

Phil & family,

Feeling nostalgic, I was Googling around and found your mom's obituary. I was sorry to see it, although there are certainly fond memories of brown bottles, a balcony and the info she shared as an agent as the brown bottles stacked up--plus the smell of the bread Phil was baking as the night wore on. Anyway, she gave me some advice which I've never forgotten:

When you are sick, go into work.
When you've had too much to drink the night before, that's when you call off sick!

So please accept my deepest sympathies. Here's to you, Ruth - thanks for the memories. Cheers!

Cathy Croft

November 18, 2008

I did not know Ruth, but I found the words so wonderfully said! I know she was loved and will be missed. I want mine to read that my life was cut short due to my kids also....great obit, greater lady!

Jacque Teeple

November 11, 2008

From the looks of it, a lot of people who never got the chance to meet Ruth feel in love with her personality through this obituary. Me included. I hope those who did know her, knew how truely blessed they were.

Wendy C

October 22, 2008

Dear Family,
If the stories that you shared are any indication of the woman that passed, then all who were touched by her were blessed by that whitty sence of humor. She reminds me of some of my Grammy's friends! Wow this makes me miss her.

Kelly

October 20, 2008

she sounds amazing! my kind of lady.

crystal smith

October 15, 2008

That was a great obit. I didn't even know her and she made me smile... What a great family.
God Bless

Frank Lario

October 9, 2008

I didn't know Ruth but she sounds like she was a real hoot!! Thanks to whomever wrote the obit that you were true to Ruth and kept her spirit alive. I'm sure Heaven is a happier place for her presence. We should all live our lives to the fullest in memory of Ruth.

Lecia P.

October 8, 2008

Dear Phil, Lisa, Sonya, Jon , Bernard and families:
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. I have fond memories of her and all of you. My Mom, Pat will also miss Ruth. They shared many dinners, and laughs together over the years. Ruth's obit. is awesome! It's one of a kind; just like her. Your Mom always made me laugh. My prayers are with each of you. God Bless Ruth. God Bless each of you. Love always,

Bobbie Adams

October 6, 2008

Ruth was a hilarious woman yet caring. Couldn't get any better than that! I'm her best-friend Renees step-daughter. When I first met her, it seemed as though I'd known her forever. She never had a negative thought about anything, always positive in some way, shape or form. I would go over to Renees to visit and Ruth would be there. I would have the worst day possible and she would make me laugh so hard, too hard actually. She would tell me WHILE she would be smoking and drinking "Sweetie don't ever drink nor smoke!"She would be puffing on her cig with her glasses down to the tip of her nose staring at me straight faced at that! Well sorry to say Ruth...love ya and here's 3 drinks to you! :)

Jamie Shaffer

October 6, 2008

I never knew her but she was my kind of gal. Perhaps we can party when I soon journey to the Great Beyond.

William Auxer

October 6, 2008

I am so glad my sister sent me your Mother's obit. I just fell in love with Ruth. She must have been a very special woman to have had such a great love of the comedy of life. I would be thrilled to have my life summed up as wonderfully as yall did hers. I know you will miss her and that humor of hers. My prayers go out to you all. ps...hey to Donkey

Jill Griffin

October 4, 2008

I love this woman and I never met her. I wish I had had the honor!

J. Allen

October 3, 2008

Here's to you Ruth! Salute!
Thank you for passing on the humor that life so richly deserves! May you have the last laugh and have a safe journey home.

Lou & Meg

October 3, 2008

Oh, man! This sounds so much like my mother, who, from Denmark, brought about the complete surrender of Germany, Italy and Japan to end the big one. She must've crossed paths with Ruth at some point, maybe chasing that cute sailor in Times Square?
God bless you all today.

Lise Visser

October 3, 2008

Ruth,

May you have the last laugh. RIP.

Mary (Denver, CO)

Mary Hendricks

October 2, 2008

I do not know this lady, but I feel honored to have at least read her obit. She definitely was a unique person. Apparently some of her qualities were passed on to the person or persons who submitted her obit in this fashion. My hat's off to you. May all of her family retain their special memories of Ruth and carry on the traditions of her lifestyle.

Cheryl Thompson

October 2, 2008

Your family is blessed by such a force...so glad she kept her attitude!!! Life can be so draining but she found how to look at it from another angle and she must have been a joy!

Bud Bush

October 2, 2008

You should live your life like so:, when you are born, you are crying and everyone around you are smiling. Then when you are lying there dying, you are smiling and everyone around you is crying!
Ruth obviously did just that!

James Hatcher

October 1, 2008

Thank you for sharing a small part of the life of what must have been a wonderful interesting person. I am origionally from Akron, Ohio and reading this obit made my day. Blessings and Love.

Dave Sheppard

October 1, 2008

I didn't know Ruth, and I now feel somehow cheated by that fact!! What a breath of fresh air she must have been. The world needs more people like her, it would make everyday life so much more fun to deal with. God bless you Ruth.

Bruce

September 30, 2008

It has been said that a person does not want to lay in bed for five years, then go in their sleep. It is said that in our adventerous age9 us from 1933-on) prefer to slide into the gates yelling and scraming and saying "where is the party here? Ruth probably had quite a reception at the pearly gates because I'm sure a lot of her friends that made the trip before her missed her being around. Obviously, she was a fun person.

William Gast

September 29, 2008

I suspect the world was a better place because Ruth was in it.

Annie Green

September 29, 2008

If I end up with an obituary like this one, I'll be satisfied with how I lived my life. Ruth sounds like she was an amazing woman.

Beth

September 28, 2008

What a unique way to remember her. I have always hated to see some of the pictures that people have put in the paper. I told my kids to put a picture of Marilyn Monroe in for me, but never put a picture of me . I have a great sense of humor too and admire your mom for hers.You Go Girl!!

Sandy Kesling

September 28, 2008

Thank you for the memories of your mother. I pray that my girls will remember me with that much love. Ruth sounds like someone I love to know. I'm very sorry for your loss. May God's love along with your mother's love keep you smiling.

Shonnie Pongratz

September 27, 2008

At last, an obit that really gives us a look at who the person really was. You are a truly blessed family to have had Ruth in your life. I think we could all use a "little Ruth" in our lives. I'm going out tonight...I will have a drink for Ruth.

Karen Sypher

September 27, 2008

That was absolutely a great obituary! I'm sure people don't hear that too often - we need more people in the world with that great sense of humor! I'm sure she will be sorely missed...

Liz Kraker

September 26, 2008

What a wonderful life Ruth had. Thank you all for giving us a look at her God given personality. You were very blessed.

Sandy

September 26, 2008

I didn't know your mom, but I would say to her, you go girl, you are my hero, you lived life to the fullest.

Pam

September 25, 2008

This was such a treat! You had to love your mom and you knew her pretty well. What a character. Know that her life is still spreading good humor and fun. I know you miss her.

Frances Hunter

September 25, 2008

Absolutely incredible! I admire you kids & grandkids. With this attitude, you'll be fine. I miss your Mom.

Susan

September 25, 2008

My condolences on your mother's passing. What an amazing outlook on life - I hope to be like her one day! I live in CT, so maybe I'll look up Jack Black and take over!

Mindy Linehan

September 24, 2008

What a wonderfully written obit. I wish I had met her. She sounds like she had quite a sense of humor. God Bless her and her family.

Mary H.

September 24, 2008

Life is short and precious and Ruth clearly enjoyed her time on this earth. We should all have her good sense of humor as well as whoever wrote the Obit. I look forward to meeting her someday and sharing one of those Fresca/Vodka drinks in heaven. I'll bet she's already having one big party.

Eleanor Cobb

September 24, 2008

I'm sorry I missed knowing her. What a great lady she must have been.

Debbie

September 24, 2008

Ruth must be laughing up there! loved the obituary more people should be celebrate their loved ones life!

jen kline

September 24, 2008

My sympathies to the family & friends of Ruth for your loss. Sympathies to the rest of us for our loss for never having the honor of knowing Ruth. I have forwarded this Obit to many and have kept it in my purse and read it to many people waiting in line,etc. I still laugh everytime. It's like a joke that never gets old. We need more Ruth's in the world. You know the old saying..."I wanna be like Mike..." well I wanna be like Ruth. I have a new outlook on life because of an Obituary....a special life lived. Thanks for sharing your mother with us. Cheers to Ruth !!

Carol

September 24, 2008

I have been touched by Ruth even though I never met her. In reading her obit and all the words from her loved ones and so many strangers, I realize I can only wish I had known her. She has left her legacy for the rest of us.

Pat Justice

September 23, 2008

What a life and what a great sense of motherhood. A great loss to this world when we need more people such as Ruth.

VON CHRISMER

September 23, 2008

What an amazing lady Ruth was. I can only hope her sense of humor lives on in her children's lives!

Mary Wheeler

September 23, 2008

Loved the Obituary, Hopefully written by her!
Wish I had know her!
Blessings Grace

Grace Luthy

September 23, 2008

WOnderfully funny and uplifting! i wish i could have known her!

Michelle Ward

September 23, 2008

What an awesome way to be remembered! God bless ya'll.

Texas Tea

September 22, 2008

Dear Dave and Gina,
How I would have loved to have met her. She sounds like a great lady and Beautiful with a sense of humor !!
God bless her and take her into his kingdom/. Love, Aunt Mary Semas

Mary C. Semas

September 22, 2008

What a wonderful woman Ruth must have been...I am sorry I only 'got to know her' thru her obit. I'm sure she added life (and the love of it) to anyone who knew her!

Sandie S.

September 21, 2008

What a beautiful woman Ruth was. I'm sure she will make her family laugh for many years to come when remembering her. Isn't that a lovely way to be remembered? I'm sure that she will leave signs, no doubt funny and prank a few of you even from her place in heaven. God Bless You Ruth and to her family My condolences and thank you for sharing her beautiful spirit...Dee

Delaina Waite

September 21, 2008

September 21, 2008

Here’s to you, Mom!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have wings on your back.
Ruby Red is your booze.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You are who you are.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go.

But first take a look at the places you’ve been:
The happiness, the heartbreak, the Life you’ve been in.
Your childhood was tragic.
You lost your beginning.
Your mom & your dad were replaced in 1st inning.
But you dealt, you adapted, you moved forward with hope.
You learned life’s a journey.
You learned how to cope.

You were Washington bound.
All the prospects were there.
You met & you married with nary a care.
But life in the business of death was too rough.
You had Butch, you had promise, but times were so tough.
So back to the city you went on a train
And married another in a great Hurricane.

The eye of that storm was a scant 3 years old
When the next of 6 siblings came into the fold.
And you dealt, you adapted, moved forward with hope,
Learned life is a journey, you learned how to cope.

Can you see in the past?
Can you turn the clock back
To our house at 860?
It was known as The Shack.
A place with 2 bedrooms, but not one for you,
You taught us to manage.
We learned to make do.
Can you see the Thanksgiving we had such a meal:
Turkey, rice pilaf, green beans, the whole deal!
You dressed up the table with colors of fall,
And clean-up was easy!
Paper plates were your call!
Can you see all our gardens beginning to grow
From seeds that you planted and watered just so?

Now look down on your kids.
Look us over with care.
Just like you did when on earth you were there.
We’re dealing, adapting, learning to cope,
Cause you taught life’s a journey; move forward with hope.

Whatever your vista, be it gardens or shacks,
Or tables or kids or DC-bound tracks,
A look back at your life, Mom, we all shared today.
Now you’re off to Great Places!
So get on your way!

You are who you are.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go.
I love you, Mom.

Lisa

September 21, 2008

Ruth, my best friend! I was blessed that God put you into my life 25 years ago. You would say to me how did we stay such good friends even though there was a 30 year age difference? I would tell her you have never acted your age!!! There are not enough words to tell people how much fun she was, as well as a kind loving person. She has left me with alot of wonderful memories. She loved her children and grandchildren. They were blessed to have such a wonderfull mother and great friend that she was for all of them. Friendship has a quiet understanding through mutual confidence of sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less then perfection and allows for human weakness. I will miss you terribly-I love you.

Renee Shaffer

September 21, 2008

Sincerely hope my obit is similar to Ruth's (:

Sandi Brown

September 20, 2008

RUTH SAW THE WORLD THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES,

GOD BLESS HER SOUL.......

Bob Bechtelheimer

September 20, 2008

Wish my family would have known Ruth. We appreciated humor at such a sad time. So many people have her in their thoughts and prayers. Kathy R.

Kathy R/

September 20, 2008

Kristin and Phil,

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. What a wonderful obituary and a strikingly beautiful woman.

Victoria and Paul Tucker

September 20, 2008

What a life! What a memory! The Greatest generation truly understood what it was to live against all odds and make a mark for yourself no matter how big or small!
Condolences and prayers are with the family.

William Thompson

September 20, 2008

What an awesome lady!
To her family you are blessed to have had such a fun loving mother.

Cathy B

September 20, 2008

To Ruth's family: Your lives and those in her town or neighborhood where she spent her final years must really miss her and I am sure life is much duller and lacking excitement now that she has passed on.
M Ryan-Tuckerton, NJ

Mary Ryan

September 19, 2008

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

September 19, 2008

It sounds like I would have liked to have known this person, All I can say is WOW.
My condolences

Seldon L. Bailey, Lake Placid Florida

Seldon Bailey

September 19, 2008

It was nice to see such a celebration of life. We need more people in the world like Ruth and her family! Our condolences.

employees of Register Star Newspaper

September 19, 2008

Thanks for letting us "meet" your Mom. I do believe that humor heals us like nothing else (except maybe ice cream). At my Grandmother's funeral we were shushed for laughing by the funeral home. But all I can see when I think of her, is her laughing. I am routinely shushed for laughing, at work. I wish I would have worked with your Mom! She could have taken some of the heat off of me!! Thanks again!

Katie Gazbara

September 19, 2008

I wish I would have met ya Ruth!

I raise my glass to you!

Tom Novak

September 19, 2008

To the family of a well loved mother and grandmother.

To have put aside the grief that you must have been feeling and making such a touching tribute and to let the world know Ms. Ruth for just a minute, shows that she did her job here. She raised her children to not dwell on the sad, and to celebrate the happy.

Ruth sounds like she lived the life that most of us strive to live. I hope that she serves as a reminder of a life well lived to the people who's lives she touched while she was alive, and the many lives that she has touched now that she has passed.

Raise a glass to Ruth and smile.

Laurel T

September 19, 2008

maryann bacsik

September 18, 2008

I would like to first say that I hope she is having just as much fun in the afterlife as she had in this life. My wish is that my friends and family are able to be strong and happy for the life lived and not dwell on the sorrow. As I raise my Bud Lime... keep that sense of humor!

Kimberly W

September 18, 2008

Hi Mom,

You said you would come to Ct to live with me when Trevor went off to college, and in some ways, I guess you did. Although none of us had any idea it was your last week of life, I feel so lucky to have spent it with you.

Even as the news of your leukemia was less than a week old, you found a way to talk about it with humor and wit. "I can't buy that", you would inform the store clerk, "I'm moving soon!"

It seems, looking back, that you were determined to come to Ct to die. In spite of exhaustion, you insisted we leave a day earlier than planned, ("let's be spontaneous"), and once on the highway, you refused to let me turn around when we hit a traffic jam (consisting mostly of trucks, of which you are terrified). "Don't you dare, don't you even think of it" you shot back at me from the rear seat of the car, where you sat for any and all highway travel.

Your first words the following morning were "I'm so glad to be here" and by that afternoon you were in the hospital. You would not be seen without makeup and you never wanted to be a burden and in leaving home at the end, you took care of both yourself and others.

I picked up the phone to call you this past Sunday, as usual. An old friend re-surfaced and I HAD to share it with you and then I remembered...

You will always be with me. And so close, we were, I know what you would have said anyway.

You knew I loved you, but be certain, you were never a burden. I have my notes out now, notes taken on trips to your childhood and through the years over cans of Keystone Light, when, as each of us got a little older, a little more truth would emerge. I will write that story of your amazing life.

Thank you for all that you taught me, through the good, mediocre and bad, and for being the best grandmother my son could ever have. You were "two peas in a pod".

Lastly, what speaks volumes about your presence in our lives, is that all six of your children worked together, respected you above all else and each other, agreeing about everything, when it really mattered.

I love You

Sonya

September 18, 2008

What a hoot...Sounds like a wonderful lady, who chose to live her life to the fullest. Cheers, Ruth...I bet you're making the angels laugh.

From a Tallmadge, OH resident...

September 18, 2008

This obit was sent to me from a friend in CA. Wow-Ruth was my kind of gal. She and my mama are having a laugh together. She was a beautiful lady.

Tracey Mitchell

September 18, 2008

It's not often that you have the opportunity to note perfection...

Ruth's obitiuary was one of those opportunities!

Lisa Hill

September 18, 2008

To the Donkey (Always address the circus child first) and the rest of the siblings,

What a true Legacy of Ruth you have started here.I just know this is an Oprah opportunity!You must put this remembrance book in print, in memory of your Mother,along with pictures and her mouthy,witty quips.I see it now,screenplay,movies and more books,calendars and cards.You see your mom left you something here,Her always in your heart and smiles,laughter upon the lips of strangers.

I am writing because I did the same thing to and for my Fathers death,only thing back then people did not see thru our hearts and humour, sigh and smile.

People just didn't understand why there was laughter coming from the front pew during the mass.
Couldn't the see?
Her death had been a shock and here we all were,watching the priest load the altar boys incense burner and load it and load it.
As they walked around her ornate 'rose embellished colored casket'doing the prayers to send her on to heaven.I noticed my dear Fathers shoulders heaving,I reached forward to hold and hug him when I heard him laugh. It was just like her and him to take such pain and turn it always in to laughter,smiles,and warm hugs to such broken hearts.

So to all of you wonderful children of Ruth,I can not wait to read more on the 'Ramblings of Ruth'.Let the world wear 'R.O.R.'T-shirts and roar Party on,party on sweet Ruth!

Moje Kohum`sare`,
Marushka Pyscynski

P.S.
I am sending this on to Oprah,(truth),think of me as I am jobless when you negotiate.Laughs.

Marushka Pyscynski

September 18, 2008

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