Leola Ruch

Leola Hermine Ruch, 82, of Kent, Ohio, died Friday, Sept. 27, 2013.

She was born July 8, 1931, at Gordonville to Leo and Hermine Wessel Sander.

Leola received a bachelor of science in education from Southeast Missouri State University and 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 Ames, Iowa.

She enjoyed gardening, crafts and other art projects which included many beautiful paintings. When her children were grown she had part-time jobs at Kent State University. She remained active until Parkinson's disease 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.

Survivors include her husband, Richard (Dick) whom she married June 20, 1954, at Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville; three sons, Stephen (Janice) of Kent, Ohio, David (Carla) of Columbus, Ind., Daniel of Kent; a daughter, Susan of Kent; four grandsons, Benjamin, Matthew, Thomas and Jonathan Ruch of Columbus; a brother, Roland (Sharon) Sander of Gordonville; a sister, Shirley (Rodney) O'Connor of College Station, Texas; four nephews, and two nieces.

Leola had faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior. For more than 40 years she was a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church, 931 E. Main St. in Kent.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home in Kent, and during the hour preceding the funeral Tuesday at Faith Lutheran Church.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Kent Warwick officiating.

Memorials may be given to Faith Lutheran Church Building Fund, or Robinson Visiting Nurses and Hospice, P.O. Box 1204, Ravenna, OH 44266.