Wesley Jacob "Jake" Ruth

WESLEY JACOB “JAKE” RUTH, age 90, of Washington CH, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at his home. He was born on September 28, 1934 in Washington CH. Jake married Carolyn Lou (Haggard) Ruth on March 26, 1983.

Jake was a dedicated and hard worker. He spent thirty years working at Navistar in Springfield, Ohio, where he retired. Jake proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a former trustee at First Christian Church in Washington CH and was currently a faithful member at the South Side Church of Christ in Washington CH.

Jakes’s hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He enjoyed baseball, football, scouting, working with his hands, and service in the Church. He spent several years videoing games for the Miami Trace Panthers and serving on the Miami Trace Athletic Boosters Board. Jake was a New Holland Little League baseball coach, New Holland Babe Ruth coach, New Holland Junior High basketball coach, New Holland Cub Scout Leader, New Holland Boy Scout Leader, a former member of the New Holland Lions Club, New Holland Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, and the Kentucky Colonels. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family. His love for service was something he shared with his children, leaving a mark that will never fade.

Jake never liked being the center of attention, but he deserves to have his long years of love for family and friends honored. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and generosity.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Lou (Haggard) Ruth; his children by a previous marriage, Dusty Ruth, Jeff (Theresa) Ruth, and Rob Ruth; grandchildren, Christian Ruth, Wes Ruth, Ashley (Stephanie) Bisca, Ethan Ruth, and Eli Ruth; great-grandchildren, Jackson Ruth, Easton Ruth, Ashton Ruth, Parker Ruth, and Everett Ruth; in-laws, Jim (Charla) Haggard, and Evelyn “Sue” Haggard Clawson. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends who will miss him dearly.

Jake was preceded in death by his father, William Henry “Bill” Ruth, and his mother, Ethel Louise (Whaley) Marshall; brothers, William “Bill” Ruth, Charles “Gene” Ruth, and Henry “Dick” Ruth; special uncle, Charles Whaley; father and mother-in-law, Earl and Mildred Flee Haggard; and sister-in-law, Lelah Haggard Campbell.

A graveside service with be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Washington Cemetery with Pastor Todd Mauer officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the South Side Church of Christ, a place close to Jake’s heart.

We find comfort in knowing that Jake’s legacy lives on through the many lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever. His legacy of service, love, and dedication will forever be cherished by his family and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Adena Fayette Medical Center and Adena Hospice for the compassionate care given to Jake in his final days.

Jake enjoyed life to the fullest and will be missed by all.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Summers Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.summersfuneralhome.com

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