Ruth Marion Stephenson

Ruth M. Stephenson, a lifelong member of the Perry community, passed away on January 2, 2026, at Salida Woods Assisted Living. She was born on October 25, 1934, in Perry to the late Howard and Marie (nee: Matela) Bogner
Ruth's professional journey was marked by her tenure as the Transportation Secretary for the Riverside Local School District. She had previously worked for The Telegraph Newspaper.
Ruth was an active participant in the Silver Sneakers program and involved with the Painesville Red Hat Society and a proud member of the Perry Alumni Association. Her volunteerism was extensive and impactful. She volunteered for the Lake County Historical Society, the Perry Food Bank, and the Lake County Board of Elections. She enjoyed traveling with The Painesville Senior Center and uplifted her community through song as a member of the Painesville Women's Choir. For many years she was involved with Vacation Bible School at Perry United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her children, Jim (Sharon) Stephenson, Christine Chamers, Thomas (Jill) Stephenson, Debra Kustron, Jenifer (Christopher) Messner; sister, Alma Knowles; grandchildren, Kelly Hall, Brian Chamers, Jason Kustron, Jared Kustron, Megan Stephenson, Katie Brown, Jenalyn Kustron, Lynsi Pries, Ethan Messner; great grandchildren, Aiden McClendon, Cameron Ross, Chase Ross, Oliver Kustron, Lucas Chamers, George Kustron, Mason Kustron, Brendon Boresz, Frances Kustron, and Benny Hall.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband George "Tyke" Stephenson; grandson, Joshua Ross; and brothers, Bob and Bill Bogner.
Interment is in Perry Cemetery and private family services will be held.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of the Western Reserve at www.hospicewr.org To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth, please visit our floral store.