Ruth Mae Brockway, 89
Ruth Mae Brockway, 89, of Ashland, passed away Monday evening January 8, 2018 at her residence following an extended illness.
Ruth was born in Ashland on July 28, 1928 to the late Charles and Ethylene (Houser) Lake. She had been a resident of Ashland county her entire life. Her childhood years were spent living in Rowsburg and the family later moved to the Savannah area and Ruth graduated from Savannah High School in the class of 1946.
On August 16, 1946 Ruth married Donald R. Brockway and the couple enjoyed 58 years of marriage until Donald passed away on November 12, 2004. She is survived by her daughters, Judy M. Burke and Barbara A. Willis both of Ashland; three grandchildren, Carol Burke-Fordham, William III (Kali) Burke and Natalie Willis; 7 great grandchildren and 4 great- great grandchildren; and one brother, Norman (Joann) Lake of Ashland.
Ruth spent her working years as a secretary. She worked as a young wife in Ashland, and later took time off to raise her family. Once the girls were raised Ruth went back to work as a secretary with the C.E. Ward Company in New London and later as a secretary to the superintendent of the Black River School District for 25 years retiring in 1993. Ruth was also an Avon sales lady for over 40 years.
She was a member of the Nova Community United Methodist Church, Richland Lithic and Lapidary Society, Order of Eastern Star Garfield Chapter 324, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary 2051 of Wellington, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 8 of Wellington and the Ashland County Senior Citizens.
She loved to cook and do canning and trying new recipes. She enjoyed traveling to Canada and Michigan for the family fishing trips and in later years, Ruth and Donald traveled throughout the United States, with their camper, sightseeing and doing gemstone digs with their friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her step mother, Garnet Lake, her husband Donald R. Brockway, a granddaughter, Jessica Willis and two sisters, Betty Lake and Anna Finley.
A Celebration of life service will be held Monday, January 15, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home with the Brother Harry N. Finkbone officiating. Burial will be in the Southview Cemetery in Sullivan. Friends may visit with the family from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the services at 1:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Nova Community United Methodist Church, 257 St. RT. 511 Nova, Ohio 44859 or to Pathways Hospice, 619 Claremont Ave. Ashland, Ohio 44805.
For those not able to attend, expressions of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting denbowfh.com
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
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