Ruth C. Kaufman McClain, age 88, a lifelong resident of Marion, died peacefully early Monday morning, October 8, 2012, at Heartland of Marion following a several month illness.
On November 20, 1923, Ruth was born in Marion, Ohio, the oldest of four daughters of the late Alfred D. and Myrtle (Ruehrmund) Kaufman.
She graduated from Pleasant High School in the Class of 1941, and had attended the Marion Business College.
Shortly after school, Ruth met a young man on leave from the U.S. Army who was serving in World War II, William “Bill” McClain. They then exchanged letters when he returned to the war, and she waited for him. Upon his honorable discharge they were married on October 3, 1949, at the home they built together on Richland Road, where they lived all of their married lives together. They shared over 48 years of marriage, and he preceded her in death on March 3, 1998.
For many years, Ruth worked as the head cook for Ogden Foods in their kitchen within the Whirlpool Corporation. She also had worked as a payroll clerk at the Marion Power Shovel, back in the 1950’s.
A woman of deep faith, Ruth and Bill were charter members of the Community United Methodist Church on Richland Road, which is now the Crosswood United Methodist Church. She was actively involved in many areas of the church, including being a past president of the Suzanne Circle, and was a member of the United Methodist Women.
With Bill being an avid vegetable gardener, Ruth enjoyed cooking and canning their crop every year.
Later in her life, Ruth seemingly was on a mission to read every book by her favorite author, Danielle Steel. She also was a fan of the Cincinnati Reds.
Always giving to others, Ruth enjoyed crocheting afghans and throws to give to her many family and friends. She had a very likeable personality and made friends easily.
The matriarch of the Kaufman family, Ruth was extremely close with her three younger sisters, all of whom live on the original Kaufman farm land. She also was very proud her three sons: Ronald, Mark and Dale.
She will be dearly missed by her two sons: Mark (Crystal) McClain of Bellefontaine, and Dale McClain of Columbus; four grandchildren: Madison, Macy and Meredith McClain, and Brianne Smith; three sisters: Dorothy Young, Midge (Ken) Osburn, and Helen Kaufman, all three of Marion; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including her husband and parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her son, Ronald McClain on April 18, 2009; and by her brother-in-law, Ed Young.
Her family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating her life will be held on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Crosswood United Methodist Church, 1551 Richland Rd., Marion, with Pastor Joe Ziraldo and Rev. Dan Kiger officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Crosswood United Methodist Church.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Ruth’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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