Ruth Ann Houk

Ruth Ann Houk, age 84, of Fayetteville, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at her home.

She was born on October 3, 1941, in Compton, California, the daughter of the late Harry A. Holmes and Annabelle L. (Claypool) Holmes. Ruth was a 1959 graduate of Compton High School. She met her beloved husband, Kenneth, while he was stationed in California during his military service. The two later moved to Fayetteville and were married in 1962, beginning a lifetime of love, devotion, and shared memories.

Ruth worked for National Bank and Trust for 20 years. During her career, she served at various branch locations and spent 10 years as the manager of the Blanchester Branch, where she was known for her dedication, professionalism and warm, friendly nature. She also proudly served her community as a volunteer poll worker in Fayetteville for more than 20 years. She was a faithful member of the River Hills Christian Church in Fayetteville and a member of the Fayetteville Library Book Club.

Ruth found joy in many simple pleasures. She loved line dancing and square dancing, attending car shows, shopping, playing bingo, and spending time in her garden. She was especially delighted in watching hummingbirds and cardinals and had a special place in her heart for all her cats. More than anything, Ruth cherished her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother, and her greatest happiness came from spending time with her family.

Ruth will be remembered for her kind heart, her gentle spirit, and the love she shared so freely with everyone who knew her. Her legacy of devotion to family, faith, and community will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 63 years, Kenneth Houk whom she married on July 21, 1962; two children, Karen (Cleveland) Grooms of Fayetteville and Kenneth "Kenny" (Stephanie) Houk II of Fayetteville; two grandchildren, Justin Houk and Tara (Alek) Thorson; a sister, Joyce (John) Bezek of California and many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four siblings, Vada, Don, Barbara and Debbie.

Celebration of Ruth's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday February 7, 2026, at the River Hills Christian Church in Fayetteville, 3068 US 50, Fayetteville, OH 45118. Burial will take place in the St. Patrick Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The Davis-Turner Funeral Home is serving the family.