Ruth Smith Keener

Ruth S. (Smith) Keener, age 93, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Marion General Hospital. Born in Dayton Kentucky on October 2, 1931 Ruth was the oldest of four children born to the late Charles J. and Ruth (Gray) Smith. Ruth attended and graduated from Marion Harding High School. After high school, Ruth earned her Teaching degree from The Ohio State University. Ruth was a parishioner at the First Presbyterian Church. On March 19, 1950 Ruth married George C. Keener. They shared 72 years together, before George's passing on February 2, 2022. Ruth's professional life involved teaching Phys Ed, Health and coaching track at the high school level. For 20+ years, Ruth served as a Girls Volleyball Official official with the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Ruth volunteered for more than 25 years as a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Ruth also gave time to the Ohio Wildlife Center, sharing her love for nature and was committed to the protection and rehabilitation of native wildlife. Whether helping to care for injured animals or supporting educational programs. Ruth was also a committed artist. She was an active member of the Heart of Ohio Tole Painters, where she found both creative joy and community. One of her most treasured memories was the opportunity to paint alongside Bob Ross not once, but three times! Ruth also taught classes, so others could experience "The Joy of Painting" Bob Ross Style. She was a Girl Scout leader who guided young girls, helping them grow into confident and capable women. Ruth will be remembered by her loving children: Karen Sue (Steven Surprise) Keener, Sharon (Maurice) Lupica, and Brian (Victoria) Keener; grandchildren: Russell W. (Angela) Lupica, Curtis W. (Brenda Tolley) Lupica, Brian J. (Alex Raquel) Keener, and Matthew D. Keener; great-grandchildren: Deven J. Lupica, Kaydance Anne Hall, Kyleigh M. Lupica, Kelci N. Lupica, Cuyler M. Lupica, and Cole M. Lupica. Also surviving Ruth are her siblings: Marion Clark, Arlene Koeppen Ph.D, and Rev. David C. Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband George C. Keener, and son-in-law, Maurice Lupica. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to the First Presbyterian Church of Marion. Funeral Ceremony will be held at 1PM on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Snyder Funeral Homes, Denzer Chapel; 360 E. Center Street, Marion, OH 43302. Graveside Ceremony will follow at Green Camp Cemetery. Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve Ruth's family and online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com