Ruth Eileen (Nee Heft) Bartilson

Ruth Eileen (nee Heft) Bartilson , born May 30, 1940, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2024.  Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill and her parents, Francis and Vivian Heft and brother Karl Heft, brothers-in-law Kenneth Grigsby and Edwin Jr.  Ruth is survived by her children Dianna (Bob) Kane, Susan (Jim) Heiser, Samantha (Kelly) and Thomas (Georgia); grandchildren Rob (Olivia) Kane, Caitlin Kane (Tyler Schafer); Rene Heiser, Nicole (Dom) D'Agostino, Gregory (Mary) Heiser; Sean and Kylie; Rachel (Tommy) Kmetich, David (Satara) and Xavier and great-granddaughters Liliana Kmetich, Bella & Evie D'Agostino and Amarra & Amelia.  Ruth is also survived by siblings and siblings-in-law Catherine Heft, David (Bernardine) Heft, Nina Grigsby, Eric (Nicki) Heft, Marjorie (Neil) Frankl, Matt (Mary Elizabeth), Jean, and David.  Additionally, Ruth is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Ruth met the love of her life on a blind date while he was home on leave from the Marine Corps.  They were married a year and a half later. Early in their marriage, Ruth worked as a secretary in Columbus until Bill graduated from The Ohio State University in 1965 and they moved their young family to Akron, Ohio. Once in Akron, she continued working in various offices as a secretary or administrative assistant until deciding to retire in order to become a Full Time Grandma in 1992.

Ruth's great joys were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with them, going to their school and athletic events, having heart to heart chats and celebrating life's milestones. If she wasn't with her family, you could find Ruth playing tennis, boating with Bill or doing God’s work through her church.  Ruth was full of grace and beauty, fun and adventure, kindness and compassion …. setting an example for all who knew her. She would light up a room with her smile, personality and wit. Though Ruth had a lighthearted side, she was also an empathetic listener to many who came to her for advice or comfort.  This she took very seriously as is evidenced by her involvement in starting Stephen Ministries programs in 2 churches and being a Stephen Minister herself for many years.
Ruth loved taking PHOTOGRAPHS.  She took pictures of people, places and things for nearly 80 years, typically printing them out to share with others.  In recent years, you couldn’t walk near her apartment without being invited in to visit and look at the many pictures of family and friends that adorned her room.  It has often been said that Ruth never met a stranger! Even until her final days, her personality and mischievous twinkle in her eyes were contagious.  Many people have shared with family how she touched their hearts and helped to mold their lives.

Ruth was generous to all who crossed her path. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you consider making a donation in her name to the USO of Northern Ohio ( https://ohio.uso.org/ ), Alzheimer’s Association of East Ohio ( https://www.alz.org/eastohio ), The Village of St Edward's Benevolent Fund ( https://vsecommunities.networkforgood.com ) or a charity that is important to you.

Ruth’s family would like to thank all who visited, called, sent cards and prayed for her during these past several years.  We would especially like to thank the staff at The Village of St. Edward Fairlawn and Northeast Ohio Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Ruth and her family.

Family will receive loved ones on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM with a Celebration of Life service at 3:00 PM. The service will be livestremed on the Billow Funeral Homes Facebook page: ( https://www.facebook.com/BillowFuneralHomes/ )

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.