Ruth was born on December 23, 1928 in Hillsdale, MI, the daughter of the late Rev. John F. and Valla (Mathison) Eshbaugh. She graduated from Carthage College in Carthage, IL, and was also trained as an x-ray technician at Swedish American Hospital. It was while working as an x-ray technician at Deaconess Hospital in Freeport, IL that Ruth met James R. Washam. They married on September 2, 1955 in Sterling, IL, and James preceded her in death on May 22, 2015. She was active in the Presbyterian Church, singing alto in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and attending Ladies Circle. Ruth was also active in her children’s lives as scout leader, band parent, chauffer, and hostess to sleepovers and birthday parties. She enjoyed travelling the country with James in their motor home, reading, hiking, and spending time with her family. Ruth is survived by her children, Barbara (Todd) Keith, Nancy (Kevin) Steuart, John (Lisa) Washam and Becki (James) Eichhold; as well as 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the staff of Westover for their care and concern for both Ruth and James over the past 13 years. A Gathering will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Westover Retirement Center, Cullen Hall, entrance through Elements parking lot off of Brookwood Avenue in Hamilton, OH, from 9:30am until 10:00am with a Memorial Service immediately following at 10:00am. Memorial donations may be made in Ruth’s name to Community First Solutions (Office of Development), c/o Westover, 230 Ludlow Street, Hamilton, OH 45011.
