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In sure and certain faith of the resurrection, Ruth Cunningham passed on to the Lord July 31, 2018. She was born August 12, 1920, in Sharon PA, daughter of the late Darrell M. and Sarah C. Dickinson Ormsby. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Frank A. Cunningham in 1976 and sisters Lucille 0. Walter Ruffin and Mary 0. Smith. She is survived by her children S. Diane Cunningham of Naperville, IL, Richard (Connie) Cunningham of Steubenville and Nancy (Michael) Opiela of Leland, NC and grandchildren Sara Cunningham, Susan (Al) Mock, Shana (Steven) Tidwell and Michelle (Sean) Wenstrup, Andrew Opiela and Jennifer Opiela and nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
Ruth's family moved to Steubenville in 1933 when her father opened Isalys Dairy Store on 4th Street. She graduated co-valedictorian of Wintersville High School class of 1938. In 1942, Ruth graduated from Ohio University, Athens, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. She and Frank were married on the Deming, NM US Army Air Corp base in 1943. They then served out the remainder of WWII in California.
Ruth served on the school board of the Cross Creek School District (now Indian Creek Local School District) from 1956 to 1966. She then taught at Stark School and Wintersville Elementary until her early retirement in 1980. During her early involvement with the school district, she saw the need of local families during Christmas season and organized Cross Creek Welfare Association which .... continues today as the Wintersville Good Neighbor Association.
Ruth was a member of First Westminster Presbyterian Church where she was ordained as an elder in 1989 and elected Clerk of Session in 1997, 1998 and 1999. She also served as co-chair on the renovation committee 1993-994.
Following the death of her husband, Ruth was owner/operator of the Isalys Dairy Store in Weirton WV, until she sold in 1987.
Ruth served on the Board of Martha Manor, Steubenville from 1991 to 2001.
In 1994, Ruth was awarded Tutor of the Year by the Upper Ohio Valley Literacy Council for her work at the Eastern Ohio Correction Center, Wintersville. The Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council recognized her for 50 years of service in 1999. The Winterville Women's Club granted her “Lifetime Membership” in 2005 as a founding member. She was also a member of the Steubenville Art Association, the Jefferson County Historical Association, Ohio Valley Hospital (Trinity) Twig. She was an avid bridge player and hosted many card parties. Following her retirement, Ruth traveled extensively especially in Europe.
Friends may call at Dunlope – Shorac Funeral Home, Wintersville Friday 4 – 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jason Elliott officiating. Burial at Union Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Martha Manor, 408 North 5th Street, Steubenville, OH 43952 or First Westminster Presbyterian Church, PO Box 580, Steubenville, OH 43952.
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