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William Ruth Obituary
About two hours after that e-mail, terrorists slammed a commercial airliner into the Pentagon. William Ruth, 57, an Army chief warrant officer and retired middle school teacher from Mt. Airy, Md., was killed. Since then, his family has found solace in remembering him.
He was a Marine who piloted helicopters in Vietnam, remained in the National Guard and was called to serve again in the Persian Gulf War. He taught school for about 25 years before retiring in 1997. He spent his spare time at the cottage in Canada, said his mother, Jane, and was a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins. He watched their games at the local VFW Post, where he served as post commander.
Ruth lost a son, Chad, in an automobile accident two years ago. Ruth's youngest son, Sean, 20, is a student at West Virginia University and serves in the West Virginia National Guard.
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Jan Wilbur
September 11, 2019
Dear Ruth family, many fond memories of Bill when he was in Laguna Beach, CA... I lived in San Diego and was introduced to Bill by a friend. We started dating, fell in love and were together for several years until several years after he left the Marine Corps and moved back to Alliance. I visited once and was so happy to meet his family. While in CA we would take his little yellow car up into the hills and just enjoy being in the woods. He spent a lot of time with me in San Diego... my family adored him, especially my younger sisters, Betsy and Mary. He was a very kind and sweet man. In time, the long distance relationship just didn't last. We lost touch and I was so shocked and saddened to hear that he had been killed in the Pentagon on 9/11. After reading the various obituaries, I was so glad he had been a teacher, because he was so awesome with kids. He never talked to me about his experiences in Vietnam, perhaps because he was still raw from the experience, but glad he was able to share it with his students in later years. Bless you dearest Billy Love to your loved ones on this anniversary of loosing an awesome and special man
Del Newberry
September 25, 2017
Praying for William's friends and family today. We will never forget. Much love from Texas,
Jan Wilbur
May 27, 2017
Remembering you with great fondness and many happy times in California, happy times with my family and friends in San Diego, my visit with you and your family in Alliance, and our trip to New England to visit friends and family and to see lovely fall colors.
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Dell Eddins
September 11, 2016
This morning at church we prayed for the victims and families of the 9/11 attacks on this 15th anniversary. As we left we were each handed a paper heart with the name of one of those who died that day and asked to look them up and learn something of them and to pray for the family. I got William R. Ruth. Please know that he and all in his family will be in my prayers this day.
Jan Wilbur
July 5, 2016
Dear Bill, remembering you today while watching 4th of July fireworks in San Diego. Remembering what an outstanding person you were when we were friends in the 60's in California. Wishing your family well even though I'm sure the sting of your loss never goes away. You and your family are often in my prayers. Janniey
Linda Erickson (Kommel)
September 11, 2011
I remember (Billy) that is the name we called him when we were kids. I grew up in an area called Goathill (below Liberty Ave) and he was one of our playmates. My prayers go out to his family...God Bless and Rest in Peace.
We will never forget you..
Peggy Childers
September 8, 2010
To the family of William R. Ruth:
William gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our heroes of September 11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Roger Piatt
February 15, 2008
Bill and I were classmates at Alliance High School and one of my best friends. He was a ham radio operator and we spent many an evening cruising the streets in his Dad's Plymouth. The picture on this site clearly shows that he didn't change much over the years. He was a hell-of-a-guy and will be sorely missed and proudly remembered.
Bill Ruth, 1965 Marine Aviation Cadet. Pensacola,Fl.
Jack Warner
September 2, 2007
I first met Bill in 1965. We were in flight training in Pensacola,Fl.
I later flew many missions with him in Vietnam. Everyone called him "Baby Ruth". He was sort of like Will Rogers "Never met a man he didn't like". It was easy to become friends with Bill and I was devistated to hear that we lost him in the Pentagon. I have several videos of Bill but this is the only picture I can find at this time. It's his Marcad class photo while in flight training.
Rest in Peace Brother Marine and Semper Fidelis.
Jack Warner (Capt. U.S.M.C.)
P Tabbernor
August 31, 2007
In remembrance....
kristine
May 1, 2007
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Paula Martindill
September 15, 2006
Mr. Ruth was my teacher at Thomas W. Pyle Middle School in Bethesda MD in 1987 and I really cared about him. I was shocked when I found out what had happened to him on 9/11. I didn't know until a couple of years ago when I found out through the now retired Pyle Middle School receptionist. I shared my news with my husband who almost fell to the floor because he had also had Mr. Ruth five years prior. He didn't believe it until he searched the internet himself and I saw the tears well up in his eyes. We both admired Mr Ruth and think about him all the time. I remember how much he loved Ham Radio and what a fair and wonderful man he was. I am very sorry for his family, and I offer them my condolences. Mr. Ruth was a great teacher and a wonderful friend. He is missed.
Michelle Johnson
September 12, 2006
Mr. Ruth was one of my history teachers at Baker Junior High during the 1990-1991 school year. During that time, he left our class to serve in Operation Desert Storm. He was a great teacher as illustrated by the many entries from former students. We will always remember his sacrifices. God Bless.
Matthew Niagro
September 2, 2006
Mr. Ruth,
I was also very fortunate to be one of your students at Baker Middle School. You were one of my favorite teachers and inspired me to do well throughout the rest of my career. You also inspired me everyday in your class with your great military stories and pictures of how great our country is. You helped me to decide my career path which is flying helicopters for our great Army. Thank you for all that you have given. You are in my memories everytime I enter the cockpit, and you are in everyones prayers.
Marina Walters
September 11, 2005
Mr Ruth was my 8th grade US History teacher at Baker in Damascus. What an influential man in my life. His dedication and passion to teaching and his country are why I am a Nurse and a Firefighter today. He always believed in me when I needed it the most. His loss is the greatest any organization, individual or society could suffer. A true American hero. Thank you Mr. Ruth.
Rob Shapiro
February 21, 2005
Mr. Ruth, I'll never forget the impact you had on my life, beginning with the time we first met. I entered Easten Junior High School in Silver Spring, MD, September, 1975 as a 7th grader and had you as my geography teacher. You opened up my eyes and heart to the world. This increased when I took the lessons you gave the following year and I received my amateur radio license. I was able to talk to the world, long before I heard of the internet. This interest in communications led me to majoring in Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech, something I doubt I would have done without your guidance.
I travelled out of DC on September 10th on a business trip and awoke the next morning to the horrors of 9/11. The week went by and I slowly learned of near-misses by people I knew. Sad what happened to all involved, but at least all I knew personally survived. I then got home and learned what had happened to you. I was so overwhelmed with shock. As time has gone by, the shock has lessened, but not disappeared. I'm not sure I ever thanked you for what you meant to me, but I'm doing so now. I'm sure you have seen and spoken with my parents in heaven, and they have thanked you as well.
God Bless You!
Tina Murray
September 15, 2003
Bill, John and I often think about you and talk about the days you were at Baker. We also remember the times at the beach when you and the boys would go crabbing with John and the girls. You will always be in our hearts. We miss you.
Adam Triesler
September 13, 2003
I had Mr. Ruth in '97 as my World Studies and Science teacher, he retired that year. He was always my favorite teacher, everyone could tell he truly cared about how we all did in class. It's still hard to think about how tragic that day was, and when I had heard. Right now i'm in the US Air Force stationed in Japan, I enlisted because of people like Mr. Ruth to honor him and what he's done for our country.
Christine Butcher
October 2, 2002
Bill Ruth was my uncle, and I watched the pain in my family's eyes as we found out that he would never be coming home to visit us again. September 11th was a very difficult thing for not as much myself to deal with, but my mother, aunt, uncle, grandmother, cousin and the rest of my family to all go through. I know how much Bill meant to our family, as an uncle, cousin, brother, son, or dad. He and everyone else who perished that dark September day will never ever be forgotten in our hearts or minds. I know Uncle Bill's in heaven right now watching over us all.
Jason Abell
September 13, 2002
MR. RUTH,
I WAS A STUDENT OF YOURS AT BAKER FROM 92-93. NEVER HAS ANYONE HAD SUCH AN IMPACT ON MY LIFE. YOUR WISDOM AND YOUR SILENT EXCELLENCE HAVE KEPT ME MOTIVATED THROUGH THE YEARS. YOU HAVE TRULY INSPIRED ME TO BE THE PERSON I AM TODAY. HERE'S TO WHEN WE MEET AGAIN.
SEMPER FIDELIS, SIR!
LCPL JASON P. ABELL, USMC
Timothy W. Reynolds
September 11, 2002
Dear Bill, you and your family were a big part of my childhood. I remember being at your family home on many occassions and vacationing in Canada on the Crowe River together. While you were over-seas, I remember your mom reading letters you sent her to me on afternoons that she would watch me. She was always so happy and proud when she read them. You touched my life so many years ago, and still do today. You will always be with me. God Bless you Bill!
Jayme Votaw-Hunt
September 10, 2002
Bill was my cousin.....I didn't know him well.....but I do know that he was a wonderful man. He could be no less than wonderful to have a family as wonderful as his love him sooooo dearly. He was a man of honor and bravery, and above all else he was a man who brought love and laughter into the hearts of all who crossed his path. Aunt Jane, I weep with you and for you for the lose of your son. David I weep with you for the lose of your brother. He was a true life hero, and because of that his legacy will go on....in our hearts and in the hearts of all of America.
May God Bless You all.
Shannon
September 9, 2002
I was also a student of Mr. Ruth's at Baker Middle School, and I want to send my deepest condolences to all of the family members and friends who miss him dearly. You are in my prayers.
Jamie Mckinley
September 8, 2002
I was a bartender at the VFW in Mt. Airy about 4 years ago, this is how I meet Mr.Ruth and the other guys.They would come in on Fridays after school let out, they would just hang out and have good time, always laughing and and telling jokes,talking about golf,I always enjoyed them and have lots of good memory's.God Bless you and the family.
Margaret Scherer
September 1, 2002
May God give you an extra measure of His Comfort as we approach the first anniversary of this horrible tragedy.
Melanie Phillips
June 20, 2002
I was a friend of Mr. Ruth's son, Chad who was killed in a car accident two years ago. Mr. Ruth was a wonderful man, and will be sorely missed. This is truly a tragedy. May god be with his son, Sean until he joins his father and brother in heaven.
June 11, 2002
MAY THE BEAUTIFUL SOUL OF WILLIAM R.RUTH AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD REST IN PEACE .MAY CHAD AND THE ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
June 11, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL HERO..WILLIAM R.RUTH AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS.GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Michelle Hale
March 19, 2002
to the friends and family of Mr Ruth, my deepest condolences are with you. I am honoring the memory of this wonderful individual by creating his quilt block for the quilt sponsored by "United in Memory". I was hoping to put as much information about his memory as I can. I was hoping someone who knew Mr Ruth could Email me and I would be happy to talk with you and explain why I am doing this! Thank you, Michelle
Barbara Overmier
January 17, 2002
Dear Mr.Ruth,
I wish I had a chance to say goodbye to you. I hope you would've remembered me, I was one of your seventh grade History students at Baker Middle school back in 94-95. You were one of the best teachers I have ever had, even to this day. I remember how I loved how you would tell us about your experiences in the service. I looked forward to your class everyday. When I heard about the attacks on September eleventh, I remembered all of my friends I had left behind when my family and I moved to Ohio 6 years ago. I never thought one of my friends would be hurt, let alone killed. You will be sorely missed, and I will continue to pray for your family and keep them in my thoughts. Thank you for serving so unselfishly to our counrty. I will miss you.
With love,
Barbara Overmier
Teresa Jahn
January 12, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your great loss of William. We thank him for dedicating his life to protecting America while in the military. May his courage, life and love continue living in all who love him. May warm memories of times together lighten the sorrow in your hearts. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Karen Castevens
January 10, 2002
Dear Ruth Family, your husband and father did not die in vain. He died for our freedom. God be with you at this time. I am praying for you. Karen
Elli Swink
December 21, 2001
Mr. Ruth was a popular and respected teacher at Baker Middle School in our hometown, Damascus, MD, for many years. He was one of my daughter's favorite teachers so she was devastated to hear of his death and it brought the tragic events of September 11 home to us personally. She shared with me some of the wonderful stories he would tell the kids about his experiences in the service. Thank God for the many years he shared his life with his students. What a wonderful role model for them. He will be missed. Our sympathies go out to his dear family and friends.
VALERIE FARRINGTON
December 6, 2001
DEAR FAMILY OF WILLIAM R. RUTH, I'M WEARING THE MERCY BAND ON MY WRIST BUT WILLIAM R. RUTH AND HIS FAMILY IS IN MY HEART.I'VE PROMISED TO PRAY FOR YOU DAILY AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO.MAY THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT BE WITH YOUR HEARTS ALWAYS.IN JESUS LOVE, VALERIE FARRINGTON
sherry
December 3, 2001
William,
Thank you for all you did for us American's. God Bless America and your family and friends who miss your smile.
Marilyn Funderburk
November 11, 2001
Thank you for your service to our country. You are in my prayers. Rest in peace.
Marilyn Funderburk
Jan and Zane Azbarea
November 6, 2001
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Bobbie Plymail
September 25, 2001
May you rest in peace Ruth William. I hope the family and friends of Ruth find comfort knowing so many Americans and people around the world grieve with you,and wish this terrible tragedy did not happen.
Barbara Bolin
September 25, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
WILLIAM MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
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