Ruth Dodridge

Ruth Dodridge (Hornback)

Following a life of grace and service, our beloved Ruth passed peacefully into the loving arms of God on Tuesday April 4th, 2017 at Akron City Hospital. His choir was waiting impatiently for their newest angel.

Born in Akron, OH on March 6th, 1930, Ruth grew up in Springfield Township. She attended Uniontown School from grades K-12, graduating in 1948 among a class of 16 students. She maintained many friendships from those early years and joined numerous reunions, including their final one last year. Following graduation from Ohio University, she began a teaching career with the Akron Public Schools in Elementary Education serving at both Margaret Park and Betty Jane Elementary Schools. She retired in 1996 with 30 years service.

Ruth was a dedicated member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Cuyahoga Falls for almost 50 years. The church was a second family for her and she served in numerous ways - Sunday School and VBS Teacher, Council Member, Senior Day Center, Women's Guild, WELCA member, and singing with the Chancel Choir directed by her dear friend, David Hinebaugh.

An enthusiastic volunteer, Ruth served her community and made countless friendships through many organizations - A Bloodmobile volunteer for American Red Cross with 40 years of service, lifetime member of the Women's Board of Summit County Juvenile Court, Akron Civic Theatre Women's Guild, Akron Children's Hospital Christmas Tree Festival, and Cuyahoga Falls PTA. She also dearly loved her time and many friends as an usher for both Civic Theatre and EJ Thomas Hall.

Ruth was an avid bridge player and enjoyed the company of so many friends in the numerous clubs she belonged to. Whether Ohio University Women's Group, her teaching friends or the many others she got to sit at the table with, she gleefully enjoyed winning your pennies (and losing hers)!

Preceded in death by parents John and Dolores Hornback, husband Raymond, son Tracy, and sisters Patricia Carlson Natoli and Marjorie Mulholland. She is survived by son Brett and his wife Mary, beloved grandsons Douglas and Devin, dear sister Janet Grubb and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She loved you all so very much and carries each of you with her.
Cremation has taken place and internment will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Uniontown, OH. A service of memorial and celebration will be held in her honor at a future date. The family wishes to express special thanks to the staff at the Briarwood in Stow, OH and the Palliative/Hospice Care Team at Akron City Hospital for your gentle care of our "Ruthie".

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Cuyahoga Falls, The American Red Cross or Akron Children's Hospital. Services entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory, 330-928-2147.