Aletha Ruth

Aletha Watters Ruth was born February 7, 1922 at her grandparent’s home west of Paton in Dawson Township. Her parents were Thomas D. and Flossie (Gliem) Watters. Two brothers, James Clinton and Ervin, and two sisters, Cleta and Barbara, followed later.  

In 1927, the family moved into Paton. Aletha started school in Paton, and continued there until graduation in 1939. The next year, she attended Normal Training classes in Jefferson and obtained a certificate to teach in the rural schools. Aletha taught the next five years, during the time of World War Two.

On November 23, 1946, Aletha married the love of her life, Ronald Ruth.  They built a home in Paton and lived there all their married life. Aletha was bookkeeper at Ruth Implement in Paton until the birth of her children: son, Stephen, in 1947 and daughter, Carolyn, in 1950.  For the next few years, Aletha was a homemaker.  She enjoyed being home and caring for her family.

In 1969, Aletha went back to being bookkeeper at Kelley Oil Company in Paton. Later that same year she became a career clerk at the Paton Post Office, retiring in 1990. Her retirement years were busy and precious; a time for enjoying her five grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Aletha was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church in Paton. She served on many church boards and committees, including Presbyterian Women, and she taught Sunday School. She attended Tuesday Bible Study.  Aletha also belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary and CC Club. Some of Aletha’s favorite activities were cooking, quilting, doll collecting, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. The coffee pot was always on.

God called Ron Ruth home in 1994 and Steve in 1999. Aletha was also preceded in death by her brothers, James C. Watters and Ervin Watters. 

Aletha passed away September 16, 2021 at the age of 99 years.  She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn (Rich) McCormick;  sisters: Cleta Cupp and Barbara Hilbert; five grandchildren: Wendy (Wayne) Blackwell, Shawn Ruth, Michael (Andrea) McCormick, Jennifer (Darrell) Strunk, and Ryan McCormick; 13 great-grandchildren: Hannah, Elizabeth and Annabeth Blackwell; Jordan, Hannah, Eli, Lucas, and Cora Ruth; Madisyn and Cael McCormick; and Sydney, Mia and Reese Strunk; other relatives and friends. 

Life is fragile; handle with Prayer.

Funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 20 at First Presbyterian Church in Paton. Interment was held at the Paton Township Cemetery.

Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson.