Ruth Ann Winkelman

Ruth Ann Winkelman,

Age 95, was called home by Jesus on August 31, 2025. She passed away peacefully at her residence at the Canton Christian Home. She was born on September 4, 1929 to the late Paul & Ethel (Holmes) Elliott. She lived a life rich in farm-sense, devotion to family, and faith. As a child, she spent summers on the family farm near Dellroy, Ohio and each school year in Canton where her dad was a teacher.

Her mother was confined to a wheelchair from the time Ruth Ann was six. The family faced that hardship head-on, everybody chipping in to pick up the slack. Ruth Ann also learned to play the piano and excelled at school. She graduated as valedictorian from Timken High School (1947) and went on to earn a degree in music education from Kent State University. At KSU she met her beloved husband Don. After they married, she taught elementary music before dedicating herself to raising their three sons.

Ruth Ann shared her musical talent by teaching piano. She also directed children's choirs at Christ Presbyterian Church, where Don and she were elders and life-long members. As part of the church's food ministry, she was a prayer partner and led the singing. She also served at Camp Wakonda and on hurricane relief mission trips. Later, she returned to teaching music at North Canton Elementary Schools. Her favorite saying was "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"- as was reflected in her faithful stewardship. Besides music, she enjoyed gardening, square dancing, crossword puzzles, swimming, water skiing, and relaxing on the back porch glider with Barney, her cat. She loved to visit shut-ins to share Jesus and now she's enjoying His presence forever. Ruth Ann passed along her deep faith and unconditional love to her sons, extended family, and others.

Ruth Ann was pre-deceased by her parents, her half-brother James Elliott, and her husband, Don, of 49 years. She is survived by a brother: Chuck (Diane) Elliott, three sons: Charles (Laura) Winkelman, Paul (Pam) Winkelman, and John (Karen) Winkelman; nine grandchildren: Susanne (Tyler) Morse, Matthew Winkelman, Stephen (Nancy) Winkelman, Jonathan (Abby) Winkelman, Katelyn (Philip) Schultz, Hannah (Andy) Jirrels, Mary Winkelman, Grace (Josh) Herring, and Kara (Justin) Huizinga; and 16 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her life will be honored by receiving friends from 5-8 pm Friday, September 5, at Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home, 1803 Cleveland Ave, Canton, OH. A service to celebrate her life will be held 11 am, Saturday, September 6 (visitation one hour before) at Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canton Christian Home or Samaritan's Purse.

Gordon (330)456-4766