Ruby Naomi Oswalt Bookwalter

Ruby Naomi Oswalt Bookwalter, 92, of Mansfield, Ohio and North Fort Myers, Florida, died peacefully early Monday morning, July 17, 2017. Born on March 23, 1925, in Mansfield to Vonnie and Ralph Oswalt of Mansfield, she graduated from Union High School. She was married for 59 years to Charles F. Bookwalter, who pre-deceased her. Over the years, she was a member of Franklin Methodist, Central Methodist and First United Methodist churches. She was an avid card player, frequently joining in bridge groups, as well as teaching bridge, and playing many other card games with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. In her final days, she played Euchre, had a loner hand, and won. Ruby also was skilled at sewing and knitting, and family members treasured the many afghans, blankets, hats, mittens, sweaters, and ponchos that came off her busy knitting needles. She was active on the golf course, recently golfing with two of her sons, and was always ready to join in activities, including boating and yard games. Ruby always had a garden and prepared many special dishes with her own recipes. Friends and family always looked forward to her raspberry jam, cherry pie and red velvet cake.

Ruby had many happy places where she enjoyed spending time, including wintering at Buckaneer in North Fort Myers, Florida and summer visits to family cottages on Lake Michigan in Northern Michigan and Apple Valley in Ohio. On her trips back and forth to Florida, she always detoured to visit as many family and friends as time permitted.

She is survived by a large family who will miss her greatly, including her four sons and daughters-in-law; Roger L. and Polly Bookwalter of Harbor Springs, MI, Dennis B. and Maria Bookwalter of Charlotte, NC, Charles A. and Carol Bookwalter of Burlington, VT, and Gregory M. and Beth Bookwalter of Lexington, OH; thirteen grandchildren, Beth Bookwalter, Brian Bookwalter, Angela Collie, Denise Bookwalter, Candice Bookwalter, Heidi Stauffer, Adriane Bookwalter, Andrew Bookwalter, James Bookwalter, Benjamin Bookwalter, Lisa Holmquest, Leigh Ann Paschke, and Adam Bookwalter; twenty two great-grandchildren, including two baby Ruby namesakes; brothers Dale and Earl Oswalt and sister Kit Oswalt Crane. She was preceded in death by brothers Nyle, Vance, Lee, Bill and Trent Oswalt and sisters Retha Fair, Wilma Williams and Treva Smith.

An extended family of numerous nieces and nephews and their children meant the world to her. Ruby was fortunate in her final days to have visits, notes and phone calls from many friends and family members including time spent with her four sons, a brother and most of her grandchildren.

Family and friends may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, July 21, at the Wappner Funeral Directors, Ontario, OH. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Graveside services will follow in Franklin Church Cemetery, Mansfield, OH. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, First United Methodist Church of Mansfield, OH, or the charity of your choice.