Ruth J. Clever 1930-2025

Ruth was born March 19, 1930, in Youngstown, the daughter of David and Goldie Pifer Best. She was a 1948 graduate of Youngstown South High School.

She married Frank K. Clever Jr. on Jan. 6, 1951. She and Frank started their family in Youngstown and later moved to Canfield in 1970. Ruth was married to Frank for 21 years before his unexpected passing in August 1972.

Ruth worked for U.S. Steel in Youngstown and then in Lorain before moving to Columbus in the early 1980s. There, she was a secretary for the head of Clinical Pathology at OSU’s hospital for a number of years and later worked for the University Reference Lab at OSU until she retired at age 85.

Ruth was a former member of the Foster Memorial United Presbyterian Church in Youngstown. She was incredibly involved with her two daughters with horses in 4-H and was the co-leader of the Mahoning County Judging Club in the early 1970s. Ruth was affectionately known by the kids in 4-H as “Mini Mom,” a nickname that stuck with her all her life.

She was an accomplished seamstress, making many of her daughters’ 4-H show clothes and holiday dresses for her girls when they were young. Ruth also enjoyed making flower arrangements and doing numerous other crafts — she was remarkably successful at any task she tried.

Despite her small stature, she was an extraordinarily strong and independent woman, as well as a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. Ruth will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her two daughters, Linda S. Dare of Hilliard and Luanne Clever of North Jackson. She also leaves behind two brothers, Donald A. Best of Salem and David J. Best of Youngstown; three beloved grandchildren, Kiley E. (David) Dare-Lewin, Trevor E. (Laura) Dare and Kelsey A. Moser; and three great-grandsons, Graham, Cavin and Callen.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, parents and her sister, Carol Etto.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral services or calling hours. A private service for the family will be held later, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Boardman.

Arrangements for Mrs. Clever overseen by Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown. This obituary may be viewed, and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

(special notice)