Ruth A. Hanawalt

Ruth Allen Hanawalt, born on January 27, 1925, in Green, Ohio, passed away on November 12, 2024, in Sagamore Hills, Ohio. Ruth was a dedicated mother to her four children and a passionate individual who embraced life with vigor and warmth.

Ruth's journey was marked by her love for reading, traveling, genealogy, and making new friends. She had a particular passion for music, with a fondness for Big Band tunes. Her favorite song, "Mack the Knife" by Bobby Darin, resonated with her joyful spirit.

Despite postponing her lifelong ambition to become a Registered Nurse to raise her family, Ruth fulfilled her dream at the age of 44 when she graduated as valedictorian from Cuyahoga Community College in 1969, the same year her youngest son graduated from high school. She devoted the next 20 years of her life to working in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, where her compassion and dedication made a lasting impact.

Ruth was also an ordained elder and deacon in The Presbyterian Church, USA, serving at Kinsman Presbyterian Church, East Cleveland Presbyterian Church, and Willoughby Presbyterian Church.

Ruth loved to visit new destinations, and her travels took her to various countries, including Britain, Israel, Italy, Greece, where she followed in the footsteps of St. Paul, and Northern Ireland, where she visited cousins in County Cork, enriching her life with experiences and connections to her heritage.

Ruth cherished moments spent playing the piano, surrounded by her family as they sang together, creating memories that will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and a zest for life that will be remembered by all who knew her.

Ruth is survived by sister Lois Elston, sons Larry Hanawalt, Paul Hanawalt, Donald Hanawalt, and daughter Janice Williams. Her children provided her with 9 grandchildren including deceased grandson Jesse Hanawalt. Her grandchildren have gifted her with 13 great grandchildren. Deceased family members include husband Gerald Hanawalt, Father Harold Allen, Mother Mary Case Hoskins, and brother Kenneth Allen.

A Celebration of LIfe will be held at a later date.