Leola H. Ruch

Leola Hermine Ruch, (82), of Kent, OH died September 27, 2013. She was born in Gordonville, MO on July 8, 1931 to Leo and Hermine (Wessel) Sander. She received a B.S. in Ed from Southeast Missouri State University and she also studied Art in graduate school at Iowa State University. She taught Art and English at the junior and senior high school levels in Perryville, MO and in Ames, IA.

Leola enjoyed gardening, crafts, and other art projects which included many beautiful paintings. Leola became a homemaker after her children were born. When her children were grown she had some part-time jobs at Kent State University. She remained active until Parkinson's slowed her down 10 years ago but her loving, positive spirit remained with her along with her sense of humor.

Leola was a loving and caring mother and was a wonderful spouse to her husband of 59 years. Leola is survived by her husband Richard (Dick) whom she married on June 20, 1954 in Christ Lutheran church in Gordonville, MO: sons Stephen (Janice) of Kent, David (Carla) of Columbus, IN, Daniel of Kent, daughter Susan of Kent; grandsons Benjamin, Matthew, Thomas, and Jonathan Ruch of Columbus, IN, brother Roland (Sharon) Sander of Gordonville, MO, sister Shirley (Rodney) O'Connor of College Station, TX, four nephews, and two nieces.

Leola had faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. For over 40 years she was a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church, 931 E. Main St., Kent, OH. Funeral services will be held at the church on Tuesday at 11:00 AM with Rev Kent Wartick officiating. Calling hours will be from 4 PM to 7 PM at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home on Monday and during the hour preceding the funeral service at the church. Memorials may be given to the Building Fund of Faith Lutheran Church or Robinson Visiting Nurses and Hospice, P.O. Box 1204, Ravenna, OH 44266.