Ruth Ann May

Ruth Ann May, 79, of Cardington, Ohio passed away Friday, February 28, 2025, peacefully at her home with her loving family by her side. Ruth was born on September 13, 1945, in Kermit, West Virginia to her parents Arland and Lou (Marcum) Hannah. She graduated from Kermit High School in 1963. Ruth married the love of her life, Robert May on May 9, 1964. The two raised a large family and spent 60 wonderful years together. Ruth is survived by her children Judy Santille, Lisa Miller, Dawnetta (Kevin) Dever, Susan (Dave) Coburn, and Darrin May; thirteen grandchildren: Joshua Joseph, Jennifer Santille, Danielle Miller, Crystal Cook, Tony Miller, Jacob Santille, Andrew Dever, Kirsten Dever, Halie Mondon, Ally Flynn, Corbin May, Alana May, and Jordan May. Ten great grandkids and her brothers Jerry Hannah and Lester Hannah. Ruth is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Robert May and her parents Arland and Lou Hannah. She will be dearly missed.
Ruth was a woman full of as much strength as she was life. From an early age, she loved to play sports, particularly softball. She liked to always be on the move and productive. She liked to 2 step dance and was a talented bluegrass singer. In conjunction to raising a family, Ruth made a career as a warehouse worker for NAPA Auto Parts for 23 years before she retired.
Ruth was undoubtably born to fulfill the role of mother. She loved babies, especially raising babies. She was known to drop everything she was doing to attend to a crying infant in a public space or to appreciate the new life just making its way into the world. She was the glue that held her home together and her passion for her vocation made that home a loving environment, walking under the wings of The Lord. She worked hard to raise her children as best she could and within the church and truly shined through as a grandmother and even more so as a great grandmother.
Robert and Ruth were devout in their Baptist faith. Robert served as clergy and administrator within the Genoa Baptist Church in Westerville, Ohio from the time it was originally a little green house in Genoa Township. Ruth, the ever-dutiful wife, rose to support her husband and involve her family in the practice of worship and service. Ruth was involved in the AWANA (A Worker Approved is Not Ashamed) program, which is a children's ministry outreach.
Ruth lived a good life and a right life. She was a very loving and caring person but also had a feisty side. While she was industrious, she also liked to kick back on the beach and be outdoors in general. In keeping with her nurturing spirit, she kept a plethora of houseplants at any one time which all thrived under the care of her green thumb. Ruth embraced her calling with open arms and fulfilled her duties as a mother, wife, minister, and steward of the earth to the letter. She has been called home to be with the Lord next to her husband, leaving behind a path and example for us to find our way home, too.
Arrangements were made with Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel in Sunbury, Ohio. Friends may call at the Snyder Funeral Home, DeVore Chapel on Wednesday, March 5 from 4-6 with a funeral ceremony officiated by Pr. Wayne Booth of Genoa Baptist Church being held at 6. Under the care of the Mullins Family Funeral Home of Warfield, Kentucky, there will be a second visitation at Neely Branch Baptist Church in Kermit, West Virginia, Marrowbone Creek at 5 on Thursday, March 6. A funeral ceremony at the church will be held on Friday, March 7 at 11 followed by a graveside service at the May's Family Cemetery. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of Ruth to the Alzheimer's Association. Thank you for your generosity.