Age 100 of Massillon, Ohio peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family on November 3, 2025 at The Gables of Canton Senior Living Center. She was born November 13, 1924 in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in Massillon, Ohio. She married John Verba on June 12, 1948 and they were married 45 years prior to his passing.
Ruth retired from Perry Local Schools where she worked for 25 years in the Edison cafeteria. Ruth was a loving kindhearted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was very hard working and determined and was always willing to help others. Her friendly spirit blessed others wherever she went, sharing sweet interactions and humor as paths continued to cross and relationships developed. She was proud to be one of the first members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Perry Heights. She was part of her church family and a greeter for over 50 years.
Preceded in death by her husband John, father Earl Bittinger and brother Junior Bittinger.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter Cindy (David) Pellegrene, granddaughter Kelly (Ian) Marin, grandson Mark (Shelly) Pellegrene. Her great-grandchildren brought much pride and joy to her life. She loved to spend time with her 9 great-grandchildren Anna, Evan, Hope, Sara, Lyla, David, Michael, Jessie and Gina Marin, and 2 step-great grandchildren Dylan and Jack Bowers.
Ruth will be missed and forever cherished by her family and all those who knew and loved her, and her memory will remain in their hearts forever. Her faith and certainty in eternal life to come through Jesus her Savior will continue to impact others.
Thank you to the staff and residents of The Gables of Canton for bringing joy and laughter to her life with your care and compassion and to Elara Caring for your kindhearted hospice care.
Please consider making a donation in Ruth's memory to the Perry Helping Perry Foundation or to Trinity United Methodist Church.
The service will be livestreamed from 11:55am until the end of the service. Please Click Here To Watch
To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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