Ruth Alice Eshman Ebersole
MARION: Ruth Alice Eshman Ebersole, 91, passed away after an extended illness on February 19, 2014 at Heartland of Marion. She was born on April 12, 1922 in Marion, Ohio to Mary Gertrude ("Marie") Burke Eshman and Henry Ward Eshman.
A lifelong resident of Marion, Ruth was a homemaker and the loving wife to her husband, Dave, and devoted mother to her two sons, Jack E. Ebersole and David Allen Ebersole.
All who had the privilege of knowing Ruth knew that she was truly one of kind - an angel among us. She was a woman of deep faith and dedicated her life to her family. When her oldest son, Davey, was born in 1941 with profound physical and mental disabilities she and Dave were warned by medical professionals that Davey would not live to his thirteenth birthday. Though Ruth would credit Davey's longevity solely to God's work, it was through Ruth and Dave's unwavering care that Davey lived a happy life for 56 years - all at home with his parents.
For more than 30 years, Ruth and Dave lived just 3 doors away from Ruth's parents on Monroe St. in Marion. Ruth was her parents' untiring caregiver in their latter years, as well. And, of course, she was by Dave's side as he drew his last breath at their home in 2007.
Ruth loved sitting on her front porch on summer days socializing with her neighbors. Her pleasant organ music could often be heard as one passed by the front door.
Ruth was a founder of the organization known today as Marca Industries. The Marion Area Retarded Children and Adults, which became known by its acronym, MARCA, began as the first school for the developmentally disabled in a single room at the Marion County Children's Home. Not only was she one of the founding parents of MARCA in 1953, but she remained active with Marion County MRDD, serving on various boards and committees for the next 53 years. Ruth knew that Davey and others who lived with acute disabilities deserved to live productive and dignified lives. She was a tireless advocate and was honored later in 2009 by Marion County MRDD.
Though she outlived her children, husband, parents and five siblings, Ruth remained one of the most upbeat, cheerful, kind and gentle souls to all who encountered her. She possessed a tremendous sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was a doting great-grandmother to Alyssa who she loving called "Little Girl". Ruth was a generous soul who never blinked when asked for help. She was widely admired and respected by her family, many friends and neighbors.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, children, husband and siblings - Nathalia (Deloss) Freshwater, Leo (Lilly) Eshman, Paul (Lois) Eshman, Edward (Ruth) Eshman, and Marjorie Eshman who died during childhood.
She is survived by her two grandsons, Brad (Whitney) Ebersole and Todd Ebersole; and her great granddaughter, Alyssa. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was a member of St. Mary's Parish.
Funeral arrangements are with Gunder/Hall & Folk in Marion where visitation will be Sunday from 2 - 5pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10am on Monday, February 24th at 10am at St. Mary Catholic Church at 251 N Main St. in Marion with Father Thomas Buffer presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to MARCA Industries, 2387 Harding Highway East, Marion, OH.
Online condolences may be expressed to www.gunderhallandfolk.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 24, 2014
Mae Belle Gorley-Kelley
My thoughts go out to the Ebersole family. I remeber Mrs. Ebersole while growing up a few doors down from her on Monroe Street. She was always so friendly and spoke so kindly to all of us little in the neighborhood. I saw her some years back at a funeral service and spoke to her giving her my name and she said remembered me from the neighborhood and also asked about my parents. How sweet she was .
February 22, 2014
Cheryl Hesselbart
My condolences to my Sister, Karen Ebersole at the passing of her Mother-in-law, Ruth Ebersole. Also, to my nephew, Todd Ebersole at the passing of his grandmother. Her son, Jack and his wife Karen Ebersole were Dave and Ruth's untiring caregivers in their latter years, as was their son, Todd.
You are both in my prayers and I know that God will help you both through your time of sorrow. All my love.
February 22, 2014
Such a wonderful person is now making heaven a little brighter with her smile and wit. Rest in peace Ruth. You are with those you missed so much. Love,
Lynne O'Lear Halleck
February 22, 2014
Scott Kelly
Ruth was more than special as a person, neighbor, and friend. Our family will always remember her smiling and selfless, caring nature.
February 22, 2014
Deana Baker Detwiler
My memories of the wonderful fun times that my mom and dad (Naomi and Dean Baker) had over the years with Ruth and Dave make me smile and shed tears at the same time. Ruth was always a wonderfully sweet friend to my mom. The world has lost a beautiful person but heaven has gained a special angel.
February 22, 2014
Mike Schwartz
May you rest in peace and you will be greatly missed. You were truly a Great Aunt! Love Mike Give Mom a big hug for me!
February 21, 2014
Tommie Blackledge DeAssis
I'm so very sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. She was always so kind to me and my mother whenever we would see her. She will be sorely missed.
February 21, 2014
Patsy Black
No words can say how much you will be missed, or what you meant to everyone. Our family send our prayers and hugs to yours and know that you are with Dave and Davey again.
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Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder Hall Chapel347 W Center Street, Marion, OH 43302-3613
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