C. Ruth Berry-Metcalf, “Ruth”, 98, entered the presence of her Lord on July 9, 2026, following a life marked by steadfast faith, loving devotion to family, and more than six decades of service to her church and community.
Ruth was born in Mansfield, Ohio, on October 27, 1927, to the late Charles and Mildred Brook. One of the eldest of six children, she grew up in a close-knit family and remained deeply devoted to her loved ones throughout her life.
Ruth graduated from Madison High School in 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. During their senior year, Ruth and Eleanor, her identical twin, were selected from among the school’s top students for highly coveted paid internships with Westinghouse in Mansfield. Upon graduation, they were offered full-time positions in the company’s Payroll and Accounting departments. Ruth began her career working in payroll at Westinghouse and later served as a bookkeeper for Park Lanes and the Skyland Lounge in Mansfield, retiring in 2005.
On June 29, 1963, Ruth married Dale L. Berry. They shared more than 30 years together before his passing in 1994. Ruth later found love again and married Raymond E. Metcalf on June 3, 2007. He survives.
Although Ruth had no biological children, she was surrounded by a large family whom she loved deeply. She cherished all 29 of her nieces and nephews, along with their children and families, and was a loving and devoted presence in each of their lives.
Ruth’s life was defined by faithful service to her church, family, and community. She was a charter member of Woodville Grace Brethren Church in Mansfield and was honored for more than 60 years of service in numerous capacities. She taught Sunday school, worked with girls’ ministries, and participated in the church’s missionary efforts at both the local and district levels.
Her commitment to service extended throughout the community. Ruth served as president of the Richland County Extension Homemakers Council, treasurer of the Mansfield Christian Women’s Club, and in many other local civic organizations.
Ruth enjoyed reading Christian study books, completing crossword puzzles, playing games, canning and freezing produce from her garden, traveling, and spending time with her family. Whether tending to the practical needs of an organization, preserving the abundance of her garden, or caring for those she loved, Ruth gave generously of her time, abilities, and heart.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Raymond E. Metcalf; her brothers, William “Bill” Brook of Webster City, Iowa, and Robert “Bob” Brook of Mansfield; her sister, Joann Barnhill of Mansfield; her 29 cherished nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, extended relatives, church family members, and treasured friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mildred Brook; her first husband, Dale L. Berry; her identical twin sister, Margaret “Eleanor” Brook Rinehart; and her youngest sister, Myrna Brook Clark.
Visitation with the family will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will then be held at Greenlawn Union Cemetery in Perrysville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SouthernCare Hospice, 2300 West Fourth Street, Suite 100, Ontario, Ohio 44906, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
