Born on May 14, 1925, Ruth was 92 years old and living a vibrant, active life when she left this world on Saturday, October 28 to reunite with her loving husband, Edward Aubrey Stemple. He preceded her on their life-long journey to God’s Kingdom. She married “Eddie” on October 3, 1942 in Napoleon, Ohio and lived the first 40 years together in Ohio. In 1992 they moved to Mesa, Arizona where they built a love-filled life of golfing, bowling and traveling. Ruth had her first hole-in-one on an Arizona golf course. She was in her 80’s when she took up oil painting and discovered another untapped talent.
Most of her life was spent in Akron (Kenmore), Ohio where she graduated from Kenmore High School in 1943. Ruth’s life was filled with creativity which was most obvious in the early years in her endeavors as a seamstress. She was dedicated to her Eddie and their three children, Linda (David) Doll, Barbara Lukeman, and Patricia Stemple (Tim) Griffith.
She required nothing for herself and her loving kindness elicited a deep love for her from everyone who knew her.
She faithfully lived a Christian life and drew strength from her loving friends in the Monte Vista Church of Christ in Arizona. She was a faithful member of the Kenmore and Norton (Ohio) Churches of Christ while living in Ohio.
Ruth was a stay-at-home Mom while “the girls” were in school. She worked at home as a seamstress and tinting school photographs. She was always active in her daughter’s school activities, including serving as the president of the PTA. Ruth and Eddie could always be seen in the stands, audience or sidelines at all the activities of their girls. After the girls were out of school. Ruth worked in the chemical lab at BF Goodrich fro 18 years. She loved her work and soon earned her own testing lab.
Ruth was also preceded in death by her parents, Cazzie and Ruth Patterson; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Jodie Patterson; bothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Richard & Jesse Price, Woodrow & Olga Stemple, Natalie Stemple, Cliff Stemple and Albert Flinner; and her grandson, Steven Martin. She is survived by her loving daughters, Linda, Barbara and Patricia; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Leonard Stemple, Odell Stemple, and Betty Flinner. She leaves grandchildren, Eric Martin, Missy Martin, and Layli Lukeman. She also leaves a great grandson, Tanner Justice, along with many nieces and nephews.
It is unbearable to think of life without Ruth, but she lives on in spirit in the lives of all of those she touched and especially in the lives of her daughters.
Visiting hours are on Thursday, November 2 at Mountain View Funeral Home, 7900 East Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207 from 4-6pm. The funeral service will be at 6pm. She will be interred at 1:30pm on Monday, November 6 at the National Cemetery in Cave Creek Arizona. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley.
It is bittersweet saying “so long” to Ruth as I will miss her terribly, but am happy she is finally in peaceful rest. Ruth will always be an inspiration to me. Until we meet again, I love you.
The best example of a Godly women, see you soon Ruth.
Ruth was an example and encouragement for all. She was a gracious Christian woman. We will miss her! Rest in peace til we meet again.
It sounds like your mom lived an active life Pat.
Ruth was a gracious, loving wife and mother and a friend to all. I was impressed by her dedication to Ed when their lives were changed by his diagnosis, and by having a double knee replacement so she could recuperate and get home to him. My deepest sympathies you all you girls.
I am just reading this. I am so sorry to hear this. I lived across the street from her family when we lived in Akron where my Dad, WELDON Warnock preached. I would to connect with her girls.
It is bittersweet saying “so long” to Ruth as I will miss her terribly, but am happy she is finally in peaceful rest. Ruth will always be an inspiration to me. Until we meet again, I love you.
The best example of a Godly women, see you soon Ruth.
Ruth was an example and encouragement for all. She was a gracious Christian woman. We will miss her! Rest in peace til we meet again.
It sounds like your mom lived an active life Pat.
Ruth was a gracious, loving wife and mother and a friend to all. I was impressed by her dedication to Ed when their lives were changed by his diagnosis, and by having a double knee replacement so she could recuperate and get home to him. My deepest sympathies you all you girls.
I am just reading this. I am so sorry to hear this. I lived across the street from her family when we lived in Akron where my Dad, WELDON Warnock preached. I would to connect with her girls.