Ruth Fox

Ruth Fox, of Celina, Ohio, formerly of Rockford, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2013, at the age of 96. She was born on August 10, 1916 in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Cassius and Mary (Jeffries) Wade. Ruth lived most of her married life in Rockford with her husband, Raymond "Boss" Fox. Boss preceded her in death on May 4, 1993. She is survived by her son Jim, and her daughter-in-law, Phyllis, of Celina. She is also survived by three grandchildren and their spouses, Sue (Dan) Siebert, Celina; Dave (Keeta) Fox, Louisville, Kentucky; and Joe (Angie) Fox, Laughlin, Nevada. Three great grandchildren, Matt Siebert, Eric Siebert, and Josh Fox also survive. Ruth has a brother, Marion Wade, of Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania, along with three nieces, Bridget (Greg) Montgomery, Naomi (Floyd) Sankey, and Marlene (Herschel) Mathews, and several great nephews. Ruth was retired from Reynold's in Celina, Ohio, after 17 years there. She never complained and always found something to enjoy about each day. Until the age of 94, Ruth cleaned the Rockford Laundromat beside her house and was a tireless worker at K of C Bingo each Sunday and Tuesday evening. She also enjoyed helping out at the IC Festival every year. She rode her bicycle around Rockford each day and kept a spotless home. In her younger days, Ruth played on a women's professional softball team, for over two years, playing second base; it was one of the earliest women's professional ball teams. After suffering a stroke in 2011, Ruth moved to an apartment down the street from her son and daughter-in-law. With their help, Ruth was able to continue living independently. Ruth loved sitting on her front porch each day. Even when the temperatures dropped to the freezing point, she could be seen rocking in her chair, waving to the neighbors as they came and went. Until the day before her death, Ruth continued to enjoy her life. She went for daily walks, watched her game shows, and went out to eat with her family. She never stopped smiling and was grateful for all the blessings that came her way. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 31, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, in Rockford, with Pastor Chip Steffy officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, from 2:00 p.m., up until the time of the service at 4:30. Memorials may be directed to Immaculate Conception Grade School.