Ruth M. Graham, age 89, of Mount Gilead, died Saturday evening, October 9, 2010, at the Triumph Hospital of Mansfield following an extended illness.
On May 30, 1921, Ruth was born in Edison, Ohio, the daughter of the late Grover Cleveland and Rachel Catherine (Cox) Sipe.
She graduated from Edison High School in the Class of 1939, and later attended Bliss Business College.
For nearly fifteen years, Ruth lived in Columbus and worked as a clerk and typist for the Buckeye Union Auto Insurance Company and later for the Columbus Crippled Children’s Division.
On one of her many visits home from Columbus, Ruth’s brother introduced her to Cecil L. Graham Sr., in 1957. Soon thereafter, Ruth and Cecil were married on October 5, 1957. They shared nearly thirty six years together, until he preceded her in death on September 22, 1993.
A woman of faith, Ruth was an active member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed helping with making lunches and dinners for the various church functions. Also, she enjoyed being involved with Bible School and their Friendship Class.
Always giving back to her community, Ruth was a volunteer at the Morrow County Hospital as a Tangerine T.W.I.G., for whom she served as a past president. Also, she served as a member and past president of the Business & Professional Women’s Club, earning the Woman of the Year Award in 1986, and she was a member of the Mounted Deputies Auxiliary. Lastly, for many years she served on the election committee panel.
Keeping her mind sharp, Ruth enjoyed staying up on current events, working on crossword puzzles and reading. She also loved visiting with her friends, and always wanted to know everything that was going on in their life.
Despite suffering from polio as a child, Ruth always overcame any obstacles that arose from her condition. She did not believe in saying the word “can’t” and if anyone else tried to use the word, she would say “can’t went out the window. Don’t use that word.” Her motto was “you must accept the things that come to you in life, and then make the most of it!”
Because of her positive outlook and wisdom, many of Ruth’s friends and family would come to her with their troubles. They knew she would listen to them and help them in any way she could.
She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Sandra Graham of Galion; two step sons: Ronald “Tom” (Mary Kay) Graham of Mount Gilead, and Cecil “Junior” Graham of Galion; two step daughters: Lola (Gerald) Denman of Fredericktown, and Jacquelin (Leroy) Mosher of Marengo; twenty seven step grandchildren; and numerous step great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Including her husband and parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her step-son, Maurice Graham; two brothers: Gerald and Robert Sipe; and two sisters, Marjorie Lentz and Olive Hickey.
Ruth’s family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 13, at the Snyder Funeral Home, 76 S. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services celebrating her life will also be held there on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Chuck Graham officiating. Burial will follow in Bryn Zion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 E. High St., Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338.
For those wishing to express their condolences online to Ruth’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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