Ruth E. Freeman

Ruth E. Freeman went home to meet her Lord and Savior on March 28, 2021.

Preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Pearl Phillips, she is survived by husband of 68 years, Herbert; sons, Michael (Karen) Freeman and Mylon (Lisa) Freeman; grandchildren, Mikey (Alicia) Freeman, Whitney (Jonathan) Erickson, Cody Freeman and Chloe Freeman; great-grandchildren, Harper, Olive, and Yuri. She leaves sister, Jean (Harold) Kelley and brother, Ronald (Jan) Phillips, and many nieces and nephews.

Born in 1935, Ruth grew up in Belington, WV, and graduated from Belington High School.  Married in 1953, Ruth and Herb moved to Columbus, Georgia and then to Akron, Ohio. However, her heart always remained in West Virginia, as was evidenced by their frequent trips back home. Ruth spent many years as a Tupperware Manager with Greenlite Distributors. Her success reached national levels as she was crowned the Manager of the Number 1 Unit (Freeman’s Firebirds) in the United States and found herself on the cover of Our World Magazine (the company’s national publication).  During that time, she made many friends and accumulated quite the redbird collection!  Ruth was a member of the Akron Baptist Temple for 57 years and also attended City Church.  In addition to being a Sunday School teacher, she served as a den mother and volunteered many hours at First Freedom Baptist Church. 

During her later years, Ruth volunteered weekly at First Glance Student Center where the students lovingly referred to her as “Grandma Ruth.”

Some may remember her best as the yearly trolley guide at the annual Kenmore Holiday Celebration on the Boulevard. Dressed in red, white fur, and Christmas bells she greeted each rider and welcomed them with a smile.

Her grandchildren share the memories of many Friday night sleepovers and being told that each one of them was her favorite.  One of the many grandmother “hats” she wore was that of “Old Rusty,” the horse she pretended to be while she carried grandchildren around on her back until they were much heavier than she was!

Many, many thanks to a Liberty I and Liberty II in Wadsworth for their loving care during these especially hard times and to Crossroads Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Glance Student Center, 943 Kenmore Boulevard, Akron, Ohio. 44314.

Calling hours will be held at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd. on Wednesday March 31 from 5 to 7 pm with funeral immediately following at 7 pm with Pastor Ernie Kemppel officiating.  Calling hours and burial will follow in Belington, West Virginia.

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