Wenova "Ruth" Garber

Wenova "Ruth" Garber, 83, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away on August 1, 2025. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky on June 16, 1942.

Ruth dedicated her life to teaching, a calling she followed with passion for over 50 years. After retiring from public education in 1996, she continued to share her love of learning at both Salem Christian and Dayton Christian schools for more than a decade. Her commitment to shaping young lives extended beyond the classroom. A longtime member of Trotwood Grace Brethren Church, Ruth faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, summer camp counselor, and a leader in Vacation Bible School, touching countless hearts through her faith and compassion.

Ruth had a deep love for nature—she found peace in tending her garden and joy in planting flowers. She was an avid reader, always learning, always curious. But above all, her greatest joy was her family. When her daughter Becca married Nate, Ruth quickly became one of their biggest cheerleaders—literally. She embraced her new role as a football fan with enthusiasm, proudly celebrating Nate's coaching victories, including stepping onto the stage after the Massillon Tigers’ 2023 State Championship win just to tell him how proud she was.

Ruth’s unwavering support for her loved ones was one of her most beautiful qualities. She was a familiar face at the finish line of her daughter and best friend Hannah’s races, cheering them on with heartfelt pride. She never missed a chance to support her grandchildren in their sports endeavors, always arriving in full team spirit—decked out in buttons and gear, ready to celebrate every moment with them.

Her love, encouragement, and presence will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.

In addition to her parents, Ashford and Georgia Combs, Ruth was preceded in death by her brother Ronald Earl Combs; her parents-in-law, Harold and Ella Garber; brothers-in-law, Howard and Arlin Garber; and sister-in-law, Linda Shook.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 56 years, Bruce E. Garber; her beloved daughter, Rebecca (Nate) Moore; her cherished grandchildren, Terrence, Eli, and Ella Moore; her loving brother, Robert Phillip (Julie) Combs; her dear sister, Bertha (Ben) Grauman; as well as many treasured nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Ruth Garber’s deep love for education and the well-being of students, the family kindly asks that donations be made by check to:

Feed Kids First, 1630 Yorkshire Trace SE Canton, OH 44709. Please include “Ruth Garber – MCSD” in the memo line.

Visitation will be held from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, Friday, August 15, 2025 at Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Road NE, Massillon, Ohio. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, August 15, 2025 at the funeral home with burial to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. To leave a special message for Ruth's family, please visit the guest book below.