Ruth Ann (Gemmel) Griffin

Ruth Ann Griffin, 86, of Willard, passed away at her residence on Thursday, November 3, 2022.  She was born on September 7, 1936 in New London, the daughter of the late George and Ottilia (Moschkau) Gemmel.  

Ruth was a 1958 graduate of Bowling Green State University.  On November 7, 1959 she wed Donald Griffin at the Mt. Hope Lutheran Church in Shiloh; he preceded her in death on October 29, 2011.  She led a full and rewarding life.  An Assistant Children’s Librarian at the Mansfield Public Library, Ruth later taught Family and Consumer Science at Willard High school, where she retired in 1996 after 29 years.  Ruth owned and operated her own sewing business, Ruth’s Stitches Etc.   

She continued to enrich the lives of children as a former 4-H advisor and Den Mother for Cub Scouts in Greenwich.  Ruth was an active and faithful member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Willard, a member of the Monroeville Chapter Order of the Eastern Star for 55 plus years, a life member of the Huron County Retired Teachers, Ohio Retired Teachers, the Ohio Education, and the National Retired Teachers Associations.  In her free time, Ruth enjoyed sewing, bowling, crafts and flower gardening.  She sang in the church choir and enjoyed being with her grandchildren.   

Ruth is survived by her sons, Gary (Laura) Griffin, a Missionary in Honduras; Allen (Melanie) Griffin, of Mansfield, and Brian Griffin, of Willard; grandchildren, Brandi (Eric) Shepherd, Kyle Griffin, Allen (Robyn) Griffin, Jr., Rachel Griffin and Joshua Griffin; great-grandchildren, Kadin Shepherd, Adylynn Griffin, Hayden Shepherd, Amara Griffin, Kyle Griffin, Jr. and Jenny Lynn Griffin; sister-in-law, Char Gemmel and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.   

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her brothers, Alfred, Robert, George, Emil, Johann, Charles, William and Lester Gemmel and sisters, Dora Finney, Doris Hill and Bernice Spady.   

Ruth's memorial service will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 308 South Myrtle Ave, Willard, OH 44890, where a luncheon will be held immediately following the service.  Memorial Donations may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (www.komen.org) or the donor’s favorite charity.  Eastman Funeral Home, Greenwich is honored to service the Griffin family and online condolences may be shared at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.  

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