Ruth Evelyn (Swiney) Wallace

Ruth Evelyn (Swiney) Wallace, age 87, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, left this world into the arms of God early Thursday morning, February 24, 2022 following an illness of five months.

It is impossible to sum up the wonderful woman that she was. She was born May 22, 1934 in Little Branch on Elkhorn Creek in Kentucky, and was the daughter of the late Rev. Finas and Zelma (Elkins) Swiney.  She was the oldest surviving child of a family of 14 children that she loved as her own. On September 30, 1950, she married Fitchue Wallace, with whom she spent 63 years of marriage until his passing on November 3, 2013.  Together, they moved to Ohio in 1970.

She is survived by a daughter, Michelle Ekleberry of New Philadelphia,  a granddaughter Amber Scott (Paul Sanders), three sisters, Rudale Pool, Mrs. Betty (Bill) Webster, and Jean Swiney, three brothers, Roger (Linda) Swiney,  Kenneth Swiney, and Jerry Swiney, a very good friend Harry Basiletti who was like a son to her, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a young son, Robert Stephan Wallace, three brothers Onsby, Ernest "Jim", and Rex, and four sisters, Linda, Barbara, Terry, and Sharon, and her son-in-law Bill Ekleberry. 

Ruth was graced with a beautiful voice and sang in church all of her life up until her health failed.  She was of the Baptist faith and knew the Lord from a young age. She genuinely loved people and would talk with everyone that she met.  She loved going to yard sales and thrift stores looking for a special treasure.  She raised Michelle and Amber to love the sales as well. Her special joy came from digging in the dirt. She always raised beautiful flowers and bushes wherever she lived and would share them with others. She had three little dogs that she adored very much --- Murphy, Cody, and Honey Bear.  They were her babies.  They recently needed to be rehomed, but she never stopped talking about them. Ruth will be greatly missed by the many people that she touched in her life.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M., Monday, February 28, 2022 in the Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville with Pastor Lisa Elliot officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sherrodsville Memorial Gardens. Calling hours will be held Monday from Noon until time of services at 1:00 P.M. in the funeral home. Her family has requested that all attendees observe COVID protocols and please wear a mask. To leave an online condolence message please visit the funeral home website.

Baxter-Gardner
(740) 269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com