Ruth Gribbell Obituary

Ruth L. Gribbell

Ruth Lucile Gribbell died in Port Charlotte, Florida, on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.

She was born Jan. 25, 1921, in Jackson Twp., Wood County, to Harry B. Hanna and Ada Maye (Decker) Hanna. She married Justin J. (Bob) Gribbell on Dec. 1, 1940, at Deshler United Methodist Church, and he preceded her in death June 20, 2007.

Ruth graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1937 from Jackson Twp. High School in Hoytville. For three years, she studied Commercial Education at Bowling Green State University. She was a clerk for Weasel Bros. Livestock Auctions and for Dale Wink Furniture Auction. She was a part-time secretary and tax preparer for Gribbell and Gribbell Attorneys at Law.

She was a life-time member of Deshler United Methodist Church (now New Beginnings). She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and was born again March 9, 1934. She belonged to United Methodist Women, was a Sunday School pianist, taught VBS, was a member of the church choir, and became the choir director.

Ruth was a charter member of Aladdin Club, former member of Deshler Commerce Club, Gideons International Auxiliary, Kappa Phi, a sorority for United Methodist college women and Kappa Delta Pi, a national honor society.

She loved to crochet and her family members were recipients of many of her creations. She enjoyed line dancing both in Deshler and at her winter home in North Port, Florida. She was blessed to stay in her own home until hurricane Ian last fall. Ruth and Bob enjoyed sailing and also traveling all over the United States and the world.

She is survived by her son, Gary (Evelyn Ruff) of Port Charlotte, Florida; daughters, Karen (John) Sunderman of Deshler and Nancy Gribbell of Prescott, Arizona; five grandchildren, Lisa Gribbell of Independence, Cheryl Stasiak of Solon, Eric (Amy) Gribbell of Plain City, David (Jennifer) Sunderman of Loxahatchee, Florida, and Sara (Jim) Rode of Custar; and 11 great-grandchildren, Allison Tinnerello, Erica Tinnirello, Collin Stasiak, Corina Stasiak, Anna Gribbell, Ella Gribbell, Hanna Sunderman, Emma Sunderman, Isaac Sunderman, Aaron Rode, and Justin Rode.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Clara (Hanna) Dunn Buhler; and infant son, John Keith Gribbell.

Ruth's funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler, with Pastor Richard Betts officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2023, at the funeral home.

The family asks that memorials be made to New Beginnings Methodist Church, Deshler, or Meals on Wheels, 13600 Tamiami Trail, North Port, Florida, 34287.

Messages and memories can be left for the family at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com.