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AUSTINTOWN - Ruth Ann Marteny Thorn, 80, of Austintown, passed away Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Humility House in Austintown.
She was born Oct. 6, 1946, in Wendell, W.Va., to Irene Ada Marteny and James Marple. She was the oldest of nine children who were raised in Booth, W.Va.
Ruth married the love of her life, Gerald F. Thorn, in Winchester, Virginia, in October of 1964. They began their journey in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, while Gerald served in the U.S. Army.
Eventually they settled in Lake Milton. Together they raised two sons, John (Kellie) Thorn of Mineral Ridge and Rodney (Lisa) of Salem.
For 59 years, their love was a testament of devotion and partnership until Gerald’s passing in April 2024.
Throughout her life, Ruth had a remarkable ability to turn strangers into friends with her caring heart and genuine kindness. These fine qualities followed her into her career as a school bus driver with Jackson-Milton Schools, which she was very proud of, from 1977 until her retirement in 1996.
To know Ruth was to know her strength. She lived tirelessly to make sure all those around her were taken care of. She lived and loved with her door wide open. Through that door you'd always find a warm smile offering you a homemade meal. Ruth was known for bringing people together around a table filled with love and delicious food.
Ruth found joy in slow Sunday mornings where she could make biscuits and gravy for her grandchildren while sharing in their laughter. Every year she would start cooking holiday cookies months in advance and would have an entire freezer full! Ruth would make trays of cookies for everyone she knew.
Ruth enjoyed camping, bingo and playing cards, yet her heart was most full in the kitchen baking pies with loved ones and taking care of her family and friends. It's beautiful looking back on how much laughter and joy was shared over a meal prepared by Ruth's loving hands, followed by endless rounds of rummy 500.
Ruth curated memories for her family that remind us of the importance of genuine simplicity. Being present in everyday life, while doing the little things to show those you love just how much you care about them. We will live forever grateful for the days spent in the kitchen listening to Willie’s Roadhouse with our dear Ruth Ann.
Ruth’s legacy lives on through her family, which includes her treasured grandchildren, Jacqlene (Dustin), Julia (Collin), Jed (Kailey), McKayla (Wade), Lindsey (Jim), Tyler and Bailee, as well as her adored great-grandchildren, Addy, Grayson, Jude, Viviana, Gwendolyn, Karson, Graddy and Paisley. Ruth is also survived by her siblings, Sue Pope, William “Poncho” (Linda) Casper, Pam (Tony) Gorvet, Peggy Morgan, Tony (Tammy) Casper, Charles Casper and Tammy Lynn (Jimmy) Agler; along with her half-brothers and -sisters; and many aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins who will all cherish her memory and carry her spirit within their hearts.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; brother, Robert Casper and brother-in-law, Jim Morgan.
Ruth’s life was a living example of love and selflessness. Our hearts rejoice knowing that she is reunited with the love of her life once again. May her memory live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Our family would like to thank the kind staff at Aventura Humility House for all their love and care during her time there. Also, her roommate Joanne Shaffo, who became her best friend.
A celebration of life will be held in her honor at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 at The Salem Italian American Club, 250 Penn Ave., Salem, Ohio 44460.
(special notice)