Ruth Hathaway Keightley

Ruth was born March 29, 1932 in Berea, Ohio to Willard N. and Margaret Prindle Hathaway. She graduated from Ashland Ohio High School and The Ohio State University with a B.S. Degree in Accounting, Summa Cum Laude, in 1954. She was the first woman auditor in the Big Eight public accounting firms working for Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. She was a very talented woman, a jack of all trades, an accomplished seamstress, needleworker, crafter, woodworker and also a wonderful wife, mother and friend. She was a Life Master in Bridge and a Master Gardener. Her love though was being the Genealogist for the Hathaway Association for 22 years.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Wally W. Keightley in March of 2012 as well as her brother, Wayne Hathaway of Ashland, OH. She is survived by a son, Mark Alan Keightley of Rome, GA (formerly of Woodstock, GA), a daughter, Carol Benton of Phoenix, AZ, a granddaughter, Sandi Benton of Alexandria, VA, a grandson, Rusty (Anne) Benton of Phoenix, AZ and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved son-in-law, Tim Benton.

Interment will be at the Georgia National Cemetery on June 23, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. Owen Funeral Home in Cartersville, GA is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Hathaway Family Association Scholarship Fund, 2231 Riverside Avenue, Somerset, MA 02726 would be appreciated.