Ruth Ann Gifford

Ruth Ann (Reed) Gifford, 96, passed away Friday, November 3, 2023, in Tiffin. Ruth was a resident of Medina for more than 70 years. She was born April 21, 1927, to William and Katherine (Eisinger) Reed in Strasburg, Ohio. After Ruth graduated from Kent State University, she worked as a children's librarian and with the bookmobile at Franklin Sylvester Library in Medina. She later taught for more than a quarter-century at the York Elementary School, part of the Buckeye School District. Ruth and George, whom she met in college, were married on September 11, 1949. When they moved to Medina in 1949, Ruth and George joined the United Church of Christ Congregational (then known as the First Congregational Church). They were members of the Wedding Band, an informal group for couples who had recently joined the church, all of whom remained lifelong friends. Ruth was very active in her church, playing in the Bell Choir, teaching Sunday School, participating in Women's Fellowship, and assisting with the mailing of the bulletins and newsletters. After retirement, Ruth worked for many years as a volunteer at both the Medina Community Hospital and the church, where she won an award as 'Volunteer of the Year.' She was also active in Coterie, a women's social group, and the Medina County Retired Teachers Association. Ruth and George traveled extensively in the United States throughout their lives. They camped every summer with their children and tried to visit as many states and national parks as possible. After retirement, they continued to travel to see grandkids and attended many of their activities. Ruth enjoyed playing cards, reading, cross stitching quilts (she gifted a quilt to each of her grandchildren). She is remembered for making the best pies, strawberry jam, and applesauce, all with fresh ingredients from the garden. Ruth is survived by her three children, Donald Gifford (Nancy) of Ellicott City, Maryland, Kathie Farrell (Robert Jr.) of Republic, Ohio, and Kenneth Gifford (Laura) of Cornwall, Pennsylvania. She leaves behind seven grandchildren, Rebecca Gifford Goldberg (Jonathan) of Bethesda, Maryland, David Gifford of Ithaca, New York, Michael Farrell (Jenni) of Steuben, Ohio, Lisa Coulter (Matthew) of Hershey, Pennsylvania, Julie Knipfer (Matthew) of Independence, Kentucky, Caroline Gifford (Michael Squibb) of Crofton, Maryland, and Stephanie Bagley (Shawn) of Erlanger, Kentucky. She also had five great-grandchildren, Chase Coulter, Madeline and Henry Goldberg, and William and Elena Squibb. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, George W. Gifford (1995); her parents; and her two brothers, Glenn Reed (2008) and Dale Reed (1998). The family will receive family and friends in the Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court Street, Medina, on Thursday, November 9, 2023, between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. A Celebration of Ruth's Life will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, in the United Church of Christ Congregational, 217 E. Liberty Street, Medina. For those wishing to make donations in Ruth's memory, the family suggests gifts to the United Church of Christ Congregational at the above address. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com