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Ruth Ann Keck, 83, of Zanesfield, passed away Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019. She was born Feb. 23, 1935, in Salem, to the late Herman W. and Sarah M. Hamilton Lautenbach. On May 23, 1960, in Bellefontaine, she married Harold F. Keck, with whom she spent 30 years as a loving and devoted wife. They were seen more as a couple who worked together as a team going through life side by side teaching others along the way.
Ruth was a passionate teacher and principal for more than 28 years. For several years she held both positions simultaneously. She spent most of her teaching and administrative career at East Liberty Elementary School. In 2000, she received her master of divinity degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary. After being ordained, she served parishes including, Philadelphia Lutheran Church, Friedens Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Versailles. She was an accomplished artist in painting, sculpting and playing the piano. She enjoyed teaching, music and world traveling. She loved flowers, animals and spending time with children. Ruth was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The family would like to thank the women who were Ruth’s caretakers and second family these past years: Leslie Gamble, Pat Newman, the Rev. Sharon Harpest, Shirley Bischoff, Lorie Bischoff and Yvonne Slack.
She is survived by her children, William (Gail) Keck and Susan (Thomas) Seeley; grandchildren, Ellen Keck, Carol (Austin) Keck Hamilton, David Keck, Kathleen Seeley and Sarah Seeley; sister, Margaret Lautenbach Hoff; and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
She also was preceded in death by her husband, Harold F. Keck; brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Jane Nicholl Lautenbach; and brother-in-law, Elford Hoff.
A funeral service begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at First Lutheran Church in Bellefontaine, 208 W. Sandusky St., Bellefontaine, following visitation that begins at noon. Burial is in North Greenfield Cemetery following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church Christian Higher Education Fund.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarle.com.