On Sunday, September 9, 2018, Orpha May (Ruckman) Hyde went to be with our Lord and Savior. She was born in Wheeling, WV to William and Ruby (Shell) Ruckman on November 10, 1936. She was a graduate of Kirkersville High School.
Orpha thoroughly enjoyed helping her grandparents, Leotia May and Robert Shell, on the family farm in Reynoldsburg, OH. She was a woman of many passions. Her gardens were delicious and her flowers were always “gorgeous”, the only adjective she used to describe anything of beauty.
Porcelain dolls, crystal figurines and her numerous Tiffany lamps were among the items she loved to collect. Anyone who knew Orpha never questioned how she felt about sports, especially her Ohio teams. She absolutely bled Scarlet and Gray and was faithful to the Cleveland Browns.
During the summer, you could find her tending to her beautiful rose garden while listening to the “Cincinnata” Reds on the radio. If you ever needed to know a sports score or who was playing on any particular day, she was your complete re. Orpha’s greatest quality was being one of the most giving people that ever lived.
In early adult years, she cared for patients as a nurse and in later years, continued to support those who needed support. She helped family, friends, and neighbors in countless ways. Often Orpha’s neighbors came home to a freshly mowed or raked yard just so she could surprise someone.
No one ever left empty-handed from a visit with this beautiful, energetic, and loving woman. Orpha also loved to spoil her dogs. Together, they were regular patrons at KFC.
She was a woman that saw the beauty and excitement in everyday moments. On Thanksgiving her home (inside and out) became like Rockefeller Center, complete with an “official” Christmas lighting ceremony of her tree and home. On Palm Sunday, her house was adorned with palm leaves and her Rosary nearby.
Although Orpha had many grandchildren, she had a way of making each one feel special by calling on their birthday and singing to them. Wishing each of her daughters a happy New Year at midnight was another one of Orpha’s favorite traditions. Orpha had a beautiful voice and a passion for music.
There will never be enough words to describe this beautiful soul, but her family and friends knew Orpha was a one-of-a-kind gal. She was always a graceful servant, until she was called home. Orpha is preceded in death by her spouse, father, mother, brother David Ruckman, grandson Robbie, and great-granddaughter Scarlett Grace.
She is survived by her daughters, Jody (Steve) Cameron, Judy (Scott) Stoddard, and Kimberly (Armstrong) Phillips; grandchildren, Brad, Tonya (Darrell), Chelsea, Andrew, Kaleb (Regan), and Korey; great-grandchildren, Jordyn (Schuyler), Mason, Bryce, Gaige, and Aiden; great-great-grandson, Julian; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. The family is grateful to the staff at Delaware Court and Kindred Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the humane society of your choice.
A private celebration of life will be held for immediate family.
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