Ruth Vogt Lash

Ruth Vogt Lash, age 104, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023. She was born on July 11, 1919, to Elmer O. and Della Clark Vogt. In that year, both WWI and the Spanish Flu pandemic officially ended, Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson were President, the Grand Canyon became a national park, and, a year later, American women were granted the right to vote.

Ruth was a 1937 graduate of Washington High School and received a Bachelor of Education from Western Reserve ’41. She led a full life of dedicated service to her family, her wide circle of friends and her community. Ruth was a Massillon Tiger fan, through and through, whether academic, social, or athletics. During her teaching career at York and Whittier schools, she inspired potential in every student.

Her many active memberships included Massillon Woman’s Club, the Massillon Museum, Spring Hill Historic Home, and the Massillon Club. In the church that she had been christened, confirmed, and married, Ruth became St. Timothy’s first female vestry member during the 1970’s. In her retirement, Ruth volunteered at Massillon Community Hospital’s front desk for over 40 years.

With a twinkle in her eye, Ruth led a life of selflessness and love. She touched so many.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Wellington Lewis (Lew) Lash, her dear son, Wellington Lewis (Lew) Lash Il, and her brother, E. Clark Vogt.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Lash Blanchard, her daughter-in-law, Susan Orr Lash, her grandchildren, Kate (Craig Carpenter), Sam (Sally), and Beau Blanchard, and Sandi Lash; missed by great grandchildren, Henry, Martin, Heidi Blanchard and many Vogt and Lash family members.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 3rd from 11am-12pm at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Massillon. Funeral services will begin at 12 p.m. followed by a brief time for refreshments in the Parish Hall.

A private family burial will take place at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, Ruth designated the Massillon Woman’s Club at 210 4th St. NE, 44646, or St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church at 226 3rd St. SE, 44646.