Ruth Hathaway Keightley

She graduated from Ashland High School in Ashland, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, summa cum laude, from The Ohio State University in 1954. Ruth was a trailblazer in her profession, becoming the first woman auditor employed by one of the Big Eight public accounting firms, working for Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co.

A woman of many talents, Ruth was an accomplished seamstress, needleworker, crafter, and woodworker. She was also a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Ruth achieved the designation of Life Master in bridge and was a Master Gardener. Her greatest passion, however, was genealogy. She served as genealogist for the Hathaway Family Association for 22 years, a role she cherished and to which she dedicated countless hours.

Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Wally W. Keightley, who passed away in March 2012, and by her brother, Wayne Hathaway of Ashland, Ohio.

She is survived by her son, Mark Alan Keightley of Rome, Georgia (formerly of Woodstock, Georgia); her daughter, Carol Benton of Phoenix, Arizona; her granddaughter, Sandi Benton of Alexandria, Virginia; her grandson, Rusty Benton (Anne) of Phoenix, Arizona; two great-grandchildren; and her beloved son-in-law, Tim Benton.