Ruth Marie (Lewellen) Howard passed away quietly in her home on Sunday, October 15, 2023, after a short illness. She lived in Plymouth, Ohio with her son, Brian, and her cat, Tinker.
She was born on August 27, 1936, in Waynetown, Indiana to Edward O. and Mary F. (West) Lewellen. On October 8, 1954, she married her high school sweetheart, Billy Joe Howard.
Ruth is survived by her children Teresa Hayes of Plymouth, Ohio; Denise (Donnie) Spillman of Mansfield, Ohio; Nancy Howard of Columbus, Ohio; Bill (Joan) Howard of Blackfoot, Idaho; Brian Howard of Plymouth, Ohio; Katy (John) Lewis of Columbus, Ohio; brothers Gordon (Shirley) Lewellen and Robert Lewellen, both of Crawfordsville, Indiana; 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Blessed to be a foster parent, Ruth welcomed over 50 children through her home. She is survived by those closest to her heart: Lucinda Connell of South Carolina, Jaime Brown of Iowa and Alec Goodsite of Iowa.
Ruth was a waitress and a cook most of her life, having worked at Chuck and Wanda's Diner, the Willard YMCA and the Varsity Club. She worked for Charlie Verdekal and then Dave Moll at Verdekal's/Dave's Shoes in downtown Willard. She was a member of the Willard Church of the Nazarene.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Howard, her parents, one sister, three brothers, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law and a grandson.
Calling hours will be from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Secor Funeral Home in Willard. A private family service will be held at Sanders Shoemaker Funeral Care in Waynetown, Indiana. Interment will be at Waynetown Masonic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences can be made to Ruth’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Melody Patrick - Nov 10, 2023
You will be missed.
Carmen - Oct 18, 2023
Nancy, Terry, Denise, Bill and Scott - I have so many fond memories of your Mom! She was such a sweet woman with unbelievable patience when it came to our childhood antics. RIP Ruth, so happy you were part of my life, you will be missed!
Brian Bevier - Oct 18, 2023
So very thankful to have moved to Euclid St., at 5 yrs old, and have the neighborhood we had...............just priceless. So many great memories. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your life to this day. RIP Ruth as you have certainly earned your wings! We will all miss you.
Mikey Ellis - Oct 18, 2023
🙏❤️
Stacy L - Oct 17, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Ruthie was a sweet lady. She was very caring and loving. She will be missed by very many people. I will miss seeing her at the West reunion and her hugs. She was a very kind loving friendly person. She would do anything for anybody. 🙏🙏❤️❤️
Sean & Nadine Endsley - Oct 17, 2023
We are sad to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was a mighty woman of God who touched so many lives. May you find peace and comfort in the Lord during this difficult time.
Lanny & Hope - Oct 17, 2023
Our love, prayers and thoughts are with you in your loss. Ruthie was dear to our hearts and will be missed dearly. Blessed to have had the chance to know her and love her and will always remember those warm hugs at church.
David Dalton - Oct 17, 2023
To the family of Ruth, I'm sorry to read of the passing of your mother. She was a very nice person and Neighbor years ago on Euclid Street.
Tina Isaac - Oct 17, 2023
So sorry for your family's loss. She will be missed by many.
Donna FreedcWeaver - Oct 17, 2023
Nancy so sorry to learn of your mom's passing. She was a very sweet lady. I will keep you in my prayers. Remember all the good times and know she will now be at peace.
Brenda - Oct 17, 2023
My heart grieves along with the Howard family. What a tremendous loss. Ruth was a spitfire and did soooo much for so many. She impacted so many lives for the good and left an indelible love everywhere she went.
Carolynn - Oct 17, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. She will be missed by everyone who knew her, friends and family alike. I met Ruth when I was just a teen and she was always the sweetest, kindest person I knew. I will definently miss giving her hugs at church. Hugs and prayers to all the family.
Darlene Snook - Oct 17, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with you and for you during this difficult time. She was your Mother and a Mom to so many. Such a giving soul. Love you all! Darlene
Long and Heyman family - Oct 16, 2023
Scott and family, So sorry to hear about your mom. I remember when she helped cater our wedding. I worked at the Y several years ago with her.
Pam - Oct 16, 2023
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Mike and Mary Wenner and Melanie - Oct 16, 2023
Nancy and family so sorry for your loss Ruthie was always so sweet and kind. Many will miss her
Lisa Tuttle Crowley - Oct 16, 2023
I'm so sorry for your families loss.
