(Dorothy) Ruth Reynolds Hadley, known as Ruth, died peacefully on June 21, 2018 with her family around her, at the age of 91 after suffering a stroke on June 12th. Ruth was born on October 16, 1926, to Irving Carey Reynolds and Ruth Irene Hamilton Reynolds. Although her given name was Dorothy when she was born, her non-smoking parents handed out “Baby Ruth” candy bars instead of cigars in the hospital, and also 2 weeks later at Halloween.
Ruth always said she never really felt like a Dorothy anyway, and preferred to go by her middle name throughout her life. Ruth attended the Sylvania School system, graduating summa cum laude from Burnham High School in 1944. Ruth then attended Ohio State University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a major in Home Economics.
While at Ohio State, she joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and was a proud lifelong member. Following graduation, she remained active in her sorority, as President for a term and serving as book chairman for the next 35 years and also selling and distributing the indispensable Kappa Kappa Gamma Social Caper calendar. In 2010, Ruth’s Toledo area sorority sisters celebrated her 65 years of service with a party.
After her graduation from Ohio State, Ruth worked for her father, Irving C. Reynolds, who had founded the Franklin Ice Cream Company and the Reynolds Building Company. In 1951, Ruth married “Jack”, John B. Hadley, who later came to work with his father-in-law. Ruth was always very generous with her time and talents, volunteering with many causes such as secretary for the Dental Dispensary Board, sorority sponsored charity events, 50 year honorary member of AAUW Toledo Branch, active in Ashland Church groups such as the young marrieds, ministering to shut-ins, as well as supporting her children in their numerous activities.
Gardening was a favorite lifelong hobby, and she also enjoyed reading novels (especially anything by Nicholas Sparks), and collecting owls, the symbol of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Ruth is survived by her children, John Reynolds Hadley (Susan) of Sylvania, OH, and Judith Marie Hadley (Geoffrey J. Cowling) of Philadelphia, PA; her 6 grandchildren, Erika Hadley (Adam Chambers), George Hadley (Emily), Robert Hadley (Janée), Stefanie Hadley, Fred Hadley, and Mark Hadley; 2 great-grandchildren, Kathryn and Caroline, both daughters of Erika and Adam; plus 3 step-grandchildren and 6 step-great-grandchildren through Judith’s marriage to Geoffrey. Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, John I. Reynolds, and the love of her life of 66 years, Jack Hadley.
Ruth and Jack lived a tremendously full life, traveling all over the world including numerous cruises and visiting four continents, with their children John and Judith accompanying them on some of the trips. Particularly memorable was a trip in the 1970’s throughout Israel and continuing to a tour of Greece before cruising to several islands in the Aegean Sea. To celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2001, Ruth and Jack chartered a special conversion bus for a long weekend trip for the family and grandchildren to travel to Niagara Falls, staying overnight on the Canadian side overlooking the Falls, before going to the CN Tower and a performance of The Lion King in Toronto.
When Jack’s health began to decline in 2017, the lives of Jack and Ruth were enriched by the careful ministrations of an earthly angel named Samantha, their highly trained personal care giver. After Jack’s passing, Samantha continued to be a constant, daily companion for Ruth, keeping her engaged and active with swim therapy, sing-along music days, and just sitting in the garden where Ruth knew the names of all the plants and flowers. A Celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Monday, August 13, 2018.
There will be visitation at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 North Main Street, Sylvania, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon including a short service. Immediately following will be a celebratory lunch and gathering at Highland Meadows Golf Club, 7455 Erie Street, Sylvania. To our dear Ruth – you were a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.
We love you and will miss your physical presence even as we know you are always with us. We are comforted in the knowledge that you and your beloved husband Jack are now reunited in Heaven. The family asks that any memorial contributions be made to Ashland Church Permanent Trust Fund (2350 Starr Ave.
, Oregon, OH), the Toledo Zoo Silverback Society, The Toledo Museum of Art, or another charity of the donor’s choice. The family is also especially grateful to the entire staff of Kingston Assisted Living Residence in Sylvania for their amazing loving care and support over the past 11 years. We also very much appreciate the support of Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania.
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