Ruth Janet Stephens Wilson 1926-2023

Ruth was born June 17, 1926, in Warren, a daughter of the late Hayden and Sara Jenkins Stephens.

She grew up in Mineral Ridge, graduating from Mineral Ridge High School in 1944, where she played in the band. She had worked for the Stephens Isaly Dairy, operated by her parents, while attending school.

Ruth attended Youngstown College for one year and had worked in the office at National Gypsum in Niles for 10 years.

In 1955, Ruth moved to San Diego, Calif., and worked for the Alfred M. Lewis Insurance Company as a secretary for 32 years. It was in San Diego she met Cowen H. Wilson; they were married Oct. 17, 1964. In September 1989, they moved back to Ohio, buying a home in Cortland.

Ruth and Cowen were avid golfers. Ruth was a member of the Pro Dubbers Golf League and also the Pin Striker Bowling League. Ruth loved sports and enjoyed working in her yard. She enjoyed vacations in Europe — to England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland — and also her cruise to Alaska and her trips back to San Diego.

Ruth was a member of Mineral Ridge Church of Christ and was a member of the Order of Eastern Star for over 70 years, with the Ida McKinley Chapter in Niles and the Opal Chapter in Cortland.

Her husband, Cowen, passed away Feb. 15, 1994.

Ruth leaves six nieces and nephews, Jill Miller of Howland, Leslie (Jud) Millhon of Columbus, Thomas (Sue) of Columbus, and Richard (Ana) Stephens, Douglas (Terry) Stephens, Eric H. (Andrea) Stephens, all of Long Island; great-nieces and great-nephews, Daniel (Bianca), Andrew, D.J., Sara, Kelly, Katelyn, Christopher, and Carly, all of Long Island, Ryan (Allison) of Garretsville, Chelsea of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Judson, Lydia and Michael of Columbus.

Besides her parents and her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard H. “Dick” (Jane) Stephens and William L. (Shirley) Stephens.

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Lane Funeral Homes, Mineral Ridge Chapel.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Kerr Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to Mineral Ridge Church of Christ, 3911 S. Main St., Mineral Ridge, OH 44440.

Friends and family may view this obituary and give their condolences at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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