Ruth Wiles

Ruth was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Commercial High School and after graduation, began employment at State Mutual Insurance Co. She married Joseph M. Wiles, Jr., in 1956 and celebrated 53 years of loving marriage prior to Joe’s passing in 2009. Together, they raised their 5 children in Beavercreek, OH and were faithful members of St. Luke Catholic Church.

Later in life, Ruth was hired as the first employee of A Special Wish Foundation (ASW), helping families and their children to create wonderful memories during a difficult time in their lives. She championed the mission of and retired from ASW in 1995. Volunteerism was an inherent quality in Ruth. She continued her involvement with ASW, serving on its board of directors. To honor Ruth, the organization established the Ruth Wiles Volunteer of the Year Award in 2015.

Ruth spent many hours volunteering at Carroll High School and ushering at the Victoria Theatre and Schuster Center with her dear friend, Donna Edly. Ruth thought it was important to always keep learning about new things and thoroughly enjoyed serving on the University of Dayton’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s (UDLLI), advisory board. For over 70 years, Ruth was without question an unwavering, loyal fan of the UD Flyers’ basketball team. Ruth greatly appreciated Larry Hansgen taking time to sit and chat with her before a game. Given this would be the last game Ruth could attend at the arena, that moment created a treasured and lasting memory for all.

Ruth is preceded in death by her sister, Rita Dierkers, brother in-law Jerome Wiles, and her son-in-law, Jeffrey L. Quirk. She is survived by her brother, Richard Dierkers, sister-in-law, Rita Sonye, and her children Diane Quirk, Edward (Margaret) Wiles, Teresa (Richard) Whitescarver, Thomas (Michelle) Wiles, and Gary (Amy) Wiles.

Ruth was a very proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Her grandchildren include Michael (Alison Fuller) Quirk, Katherine (Kevin) Vessel, Abigail (Aaron) Merkle, Joseph (Cecilia) Wiles, Benjamin Wiles, Stephanie Wiles, Karlie Wiles, Nicolas Wiles, Rachel Wiles and Samuel Wiles. Ruth was “Maw Maw” to her great grandchildren, William and James Quirk, Griffin Vessel, and Eloise and Michael Merkle. She was also cherished by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren and all those lives she touched.

The family would like to thank the staff at Traditions of Beavercreek for the supportive care given to Ruth, as well as Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton’s team. In particular, we are grateful to Morine Whitfield and Tarah McCarty from Home Care Assistance for their love and outstanding compassion for our Mom. They were not only pillars of strength for our Mom, but our entire family.

Ruth’s life can be defined as one of kindness, compassion, and an enduring commitment to her family. She was a remarkable woman with an endless capacity to nurture and care for those around her, always putting others before herself. Ruth’s laughter filled every room, and her gentle smile and crystal blue eyes could lift anyone’s spirits. She cherished the simple moments of life, finding beauty in each day. While we grieve her loss, we also celebrate the remarkable life she led. A life filled with love, joy, kindness and faith. Ruth leaves behind a world that is better for having had her in it.