Virginia Ruth Bates, born on February 23, 1948, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 18, 2026. She was the child of Jontie and Louise (Belt) Garretson.
She has one daughter, Tina (Bates) Parks; one granddaughter, Taylar (Austin) McMullen; and two great-grandchildren, Everleigh and Denver.
She has a total of eight siblings.
Survived by Kathryn Phillabaum, Margaret “Maggie” (John) Crosswhite, Anita Glazer, Albert Garretson, Jontie “Junior” Garretson, and many nieces and nephews.
Proceeded in death by Naomi “Joann” Snyder, Mildred “Emogene” NeSmith, and Baby Charles “Charlie” Garretson; brother-in-law, Fred Meek, Vic Snyder, Jim NeSmith, Chuck Phillabaum, Robert “Bob” Dixon, James “Jim” Glazer; sisters-in-law, Marsha Higgins and Kay Garretson.
Ruth retired from 31 Inc. as a press operator. She spent most of her adult life caring for her parents in their home. She raised her daughter Tina on her own. Family was her everything, and there was no place she would rather be.
Her hobbies included watching old sitcoms. She was busy with her child and grandchild most days, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
She had a special love for butterflies and all things purple. You could always count on her for a weather report or just a wake-up call. She had a worry sum heart and always prayed for everyone. She was also known for her world famous no-bake cookies.
Services for Ruth will be Friday August 21, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Addy Funeral Home in Newcomerstown. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Friday from 11 to 1 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Wesley Community Chapel Cemetery in Newcomerstown.
Addy Funeral Home
406 West State Street
Newcomerstown, OH 43832
740-498-8111
www.addyfuneralhome.com
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