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Ruth Mitsoff Obituary
BEAVERCREEK — Ruth Mitsoff, the co-founder of the Beavercreek News publication, which published in the Greene County community for nearly a quarter-century, died June 16, 2015, at the age of 83. She passed from complications from a stroke at Kettering Medical Center with her family at her side.
The Beavercreek News started when she and her now-late husband Chris purchased a weekly shopping newspaper from a group of Beavercreek Township merchants in 1960 and converted it into a newspaper with stories, photos and editorials. Ruth's role in those early years was as circulation manager and advertising manager. She later became business manager while Chris was the editor and publisher. The Mitsoffs sold their newspaper in 1985, and it has continued to publish under several different owners since then. It is now published as the weekly Beavercreek News-Current under the ownership of Civitas Media. But Ruth continued to work for the newspaper in sales until 2010. Ruth was also known for her community involvement. In 1999, she and Chris were named as "head kernels" (honorary goodwill ambassadors) of the Beavercreek Popcorn Festival. She was active in the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce.
In 2012, Ruth donated the archive of the Beavercreek News editions published under the Mitsoff ownership to the Beavercreek Historical Society. Ruth grew up in Middletown, and graduated from Middletown High School. She was active in music as a youth, and her love of music continued throughout her life. She was a member of Beaver United Church of Christ in Alpha.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Chris; father and mother Harrison and Angie Upton of Middletown; and sister Harriett Elam. She is survived by children Tom (and wife Angela Klein), Christine (and husband Mark Pastir), Lee (and wife Michelle Mitsoff) and David (and wife Diana Miller); and sister Helen Earhart.
Friends may call at the Tobias Funeral Home Beavercreek Chapel, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Road on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. until noon. Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday. Disposition will be held privately at the family's convenience.
Condolences for the family can be made at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Mitsoff
Tracy (Moore) Lee
June 26, 2015
The Beavercreek Daily News was my first job and was great place to learn the ropes of the working world because of Ruth and Chris--great people and so much fun to work for and with. So sorry to find out that Ruth passed away. She was a great employer but her children were her life. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
June 20, 2015
To the Mitzoff Family,
You all have been in our prayers this week since receiving your call, Michelle. We are deeply sadden by Ruth's passing. Her smile and never ending zest for life is what we will remember. Of Course, there were the hats! May she rest in Gods arms and may you all be comforted by the same great love. Debbie and John Barnett
Greg Milano
June 19, 2015
Mitsoff Family,
I will always remember your mother's lightheartedness, energy, and wit. She always made me feel at home when I visited her house and in some ways made me feel like a son. She is one of the most positive people I have ever met and I'm sure that she is now a great addition to Heaven. Prayers and thoughts.
Fred Berta
June 19, 2015
It was always a pleasure to deal with Chris, Ruth and Tom. Ruth's smile was a welcome greeting when visiting the News office. Our prayers are with the Mitsoff
family. The Berta's. (Former Mayor)
June 19, 2015
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ruth Marie always had a smile and kind word. Keep the happy memories close to your heart to comfort you in the days ahead. She will be missed. With deepest sympathy, Lisa Steffen Mock
Annie & Byron Kulander
June 18, 2015
We really didn't know Ruth, but we heard so many things about her. Ruth Tobias told what a lady she was & kind too. Prayers for you, family, & friends. Thinking of you. Annie & Byron Kulander
cheryl Fightmaster
June 18, 2015
Tom and the whole Mitsoff family, Ruth will truly be missed by many, a Woman of Strength and Sweetness, like no other, She carried herself with True Class.
Terence McLean
June 18, 2015
For more than 10 years, the Mitsoff's published my editorials in all their papers and so I became quite familiar with Ruth's cheerful personality and her wonderful hats. Ruth and Chris (and their son Tom) were always very kind, supportive and caring of others and not only are they missed... the small town newspaper has also passed from this world. Would that we cold have them all back....
Pastor Terence D. & Mrs. Carol M. (Beavercreek Christian Bookstore)McLean
Kristin Balonier
June 18, 2015
Beloved Mitsoff children & family,
It is with a heavy heart that you say goodbye to your Mother, Grandmother and friend. Although our interactions with Ms. Ruth were brief, they were unforgettable. Her outwardly and genuinely sweet personality made everyone around her feel as if they had known her for years; even if they hadn't. We will remember fondly her always perfect makeup and chatty disposition. Heaven has received another angel who will watch over and love you all until you reunite. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and it was our pleasure to have known Ruth.
Liane Cooper
June 18, 2015
To the Mitsoff Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on Ruth's passing.
She was the insightful business manager who invited students to produce the BHS News weekly (inside the Beavercreek News). I'm thankful for the opportunity she provided to me between 1974 and 1976. I was later inspired to go to journalism school, and eventually worked at The Washington Post (in IT).
Years after leaving Beavercreek, I stopped by the newspaper office on N Fairfield Rd for a visit. I spoke with her briefly. I was able to thank her then for the opportunity to learn so much about the business and Beavercreek.
I know she viewed the BHS News as an investment in local youth and a service to her own community, and I'm glad she did.
Sandy Watson
June 18, 2015
Dear Mitsoff family, I am so sorry about the passing of your mother. She was a great lady. I have not seen her in several years, but always remember her and her signature hats. She and your father were mainstays of the community for many years and I still miss their newspaper. Sandy Watson (Beavercreek)
June 18, 2015
Dear Mitsoff family: It was my privilege to be your mom's "library lady" for about 5 years, during which time she read about 600 books. We were also church friends when she was able to attend. A sweet, kind, always positive person who was a pleasure to know. Ruth Tobias
Flo` Thompson
June 17, 2015
My deepest sympathy, Tom. I loved your mom and she and I had many good conversations and discussions. She was a good person and people like her are few and far between anymore. My prayers for God's comfort in your grief.
Flo Thompson
Jill Foster
June 17, 2015
Christine & Family, Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother Ruth. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Jill & Stan Foster
Fred & June Nordan
June 17, 2015
Please accept our deepest sympathies to the whole Mitsoff family. We know you will miss this great lady.
Judith W. Highsmith
June 17, 2015
Tom & family, my heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your mother. While I know you will all have many happy memories to comfort you in the days ahead, she will never be replaced in your hearts. You can help keep her with you by telling stories about her and by keeping her with you in conversation, as you experience the joys yet to come in your lives. Judith Warnick Highsmith
Heidi Garlow
June 17, 2015
To the whole Mitsoff Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ruth was one of the nicest people I ever met. She will truly be missed.
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