Ruth E Wenderoth

Ruth Ellen Williams Wenderoth Ruth Ellen Williams, 93 of Massillon, passed away April 7, 2018. She was born in Gloversville, NY to the late Christopher Williams and Eva Nina Greenslete Williams on June 27, 1924. All through her school years, she was known as an accomplished pianist, and her high school photo carried the caption “Those flying fingers!” referring to her accompanying the school productions of Gilbert & Sullivan operas. Ruth started at Albany State Teachers College in 1941, graduating from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY in 1946. She taught music for two years in Corinth, NY, and then married Frederick H. Wenderoth on July 10, 1948. The Wenderoths lived in Clifton, NJ until 1951 when they moved to Massillon, OH where they remained to the end of their days. Ruth gave birth to a daughter, Christine in 1949 in New Jersey, and to a second daughter, Ellen Louise in 1957 in Massillon. Ruth’s love of music was evident throughout her house—her Steinway baby grand piano was her pride and joy!—and through her involvement with The McDowell Club of Canton, OH. Her membership in McDowell began in 1953 and continued through 2016. She served the Club as its Vice-President, then President throughout the 1960s and, more importantly, performed often in their recitals both as a solo pianist and in chamber groups. Ruth was also active in the League of Women Voters and served for a number of years as a docent at Spring Hill Farm, where she would play the vintage Chickering square piano for visitors. Ruth read constantly, especially novels, and with her husband was a big supporter of the public library. She and her husband were also both avid genealogists, and leave over 12 file cabinet drawers of genealogical research behind them! She loved traveling, especially to her dear father’s England. Ruth was a smart, talented, and sweet, sweet woman who will be sorely missed. She is survived by her daughter Christine Wenderoth, her son-in-law Thomas Haverly, both of Chicago, IL; and her two grandchildren, Emily Eckstrand of Chicago, and Anders Eckstrand, of Rochester, NY. Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 21, 2018, in the Paquelet Funeral Home. Calling hours will be held 10-11am prior to the service Saturday also in the Funeral Home. After the service family and friends are encourage to stay for the reception at the Paquelet Community Room