Ruth Etta Tender

Ruth Etta Tender, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, in Medina, Ohio after a short battle with cancer. She was born November 18, 1941 in Carey, Ohio to the late Henry F. and Catherine (Myers) Davidson.
She was raised in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from Bishop Watterson High School in 1959. After graduation, she worked for Ohio State Life Insurance. In 1957, at the age of 15, she met Ken Tender. They dated through high school and college and were married on September 19, 1964, a marriage lasting 59 years.
Ruth Etta deeply loved her family, friends, church, and country. She was a charter member of Holy Martyr's Catholic Church. Throughout her life, Ruth Etta had many varied interests. She was an accomplished artist and tole painting instructor. Each year, she entered several of her painted pieces of art and crafts in the Medina County Fair, earning many first-place Blue Ribbons and Best of Show awards. She encouraged others to participate, emphasizing "if people don't offer entries, there won't be interesting things to see at the fair."
Ruth Etta was introduced to her brother's horse when she was four years old. From that age forward, second only to her love for her family, caring for her horses was her life-long interest, love, and passion. Simply stated, anything "horse" made Ruth Etta smile.
Her passion for horses led her to serve as a Medina County 4-H equine youth advisor for 13 years. Ruth Etta along with her horses and family attended the Cross Country Trail Ride in Eminence, MO every June for 36 years. This event was an annual reunion of family and great friends.
Ruth Etta was deeply involved in Medina Rotary club service projects serving the Medina County community for 30 years and received recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow. Additionally, she served as a scout leader for Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Brownies.
She loved caring for animals, large and small, and was employed as a Veterinarian Technician for 28 years by the Sharon Center Veterinary Hospital.
Ruth Etta loved everything vintage, including her husband, Kenny. She collected vintage sewing machines, dolls, and stick horses. Her holiday tea rings and monster cookies throughout the year will be greatly missed by family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Catherine (Myers) Davidson, as well as her brothers and sisters-in-law: Charles Davidson, Paul and Therese (Riesbeck) Davidson, and Robert and Phyllis (Riesbeck) Davidson.
Ruth Etta is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Kenneth, and their loving children John Tender, Jamie (Elizabeth) Tender, and Jodie (Mike) Ward. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and caring through her seven cherished grandchildren: Jacob (Mae) and Sarah Tender. William (Loxi), Emily, and Katelyn Tender. Hannah and Brandon Ward. Ruth Etta held a special place in her heart for her beloved nieces and nephews and dear friends Eileen Cohen and Debby Davis. She will be missed by her horses, Honey and Duke, as well as her loyal cat Timmy Ertl.
Ruth Etta Tender will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love and joy she brought into the lives of those around her. May she rest in eternal peace.
On Friday, December 29, 2023, there will be a Funeral Mass at Holy Martyr's Church at 10:00 am located at 3100 Weymouth Road, Medina, OH 44256. The family will also receive family and friends on Friday, December 29, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Waite & Son Funeral Home, located at 785 N. Court Street, Medina, OH 44256. A private burial will be held on Saturday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Medina County Historical Society located at 206 N. Elmwood Ave., Medina, Ohio, 44256.
Online condolences may be left at www.waitefuneralhome.com.