Ruth Eileen Carlini, 96, passed away peacefully in her home Thursday, March 24, 2022.

Ruthie was born on March 11, 1926 to Charles and Elsie Grace Schumacher in an upstairs bedroom in the house on Ferndale Ave., Canton, OH. She grew up with her brother Charles and attended Lehman High School where she graduated in 1944.

She headed off to Ohio State in the early 1940's when it wasn't so common for a woman to attend college.  However, she assured her parents it was to study art and not "land a man "! One afternoon at school her friends asked if she wanted to chip in some gas money to carpool back to Canton for the weekend. Little did she know this decision would chart the course of her life.

In this cramped Ford she was introduced to a man just back from the service. World War II had just ended, and Calvin Carlini sat in the front seat. Mom remembered his wavy dark hair and fun demeanor as the friends laughed and teased Ruth because she misheard his last name during introductions. She thought they said Carling not Carlini and they preceded to tell her, Cal was the heir to the great Carling Beer fortune! The car ride ended with Cal asking to meet her again. As she always described it, he took his sweet time -three weeks later he showed up at her college house and asked her to attend a concert downtown Columbus.  She recounted the trolley ride to the orchestra noticing his clean nails, nice hair and freshly pressed and pleated air corp khakis. They were married a few years later in June of 1949. They were a stunning couple, however, she recalled how hot the reception was – the place lacked air-conditioning of any kind. She said later she waited too long to plan the place and all the good ones were taken! Nevertheless, that cool and beautiful couple started their life together.

Calvin climbed the corporate ladder quickly with American Electric Power and they were transferred to many places in Ohio.

Their first little girl, Karen Sue born in 1955, had several health problems and passed away soon after. They welcomed Patricia Lynn though, a few years later and were overjoyed she was happy and healthy. It was 10 long years later before Jane Ann came into the picture- last but not least!

Their home in Lancaster Ohio allowed them to meet lifelong friends like the Householders. Their son Johnny Householder had and does play an important part of Pattis' life today.

Ruth began her love of teaching ceramics and gardening during these early years.

In 1976, it was on to Charleston, West Virginia which was always bittersweet for Ruth as she missed the great state of Ohio- but, loved all the wonderful friends they made there. Including, Cal's Executive Assistant for many years, Anna Cyphers.

Shortly after retirement in 1988, Cal passed away suddenly.

Ruth moved back to Canton to be closer to family - her brother Charles and his son, her nephew, Chuck Schumacher, who has always been very special to her and the son Ruthie never had.

Calvin was at the heart of everything in her life. However, after his passing, she picked up the pieces and found fellowship and flowers in the North Canton Garden Club, where she remained a member for the next 30 years.  Aside from painting when she was younger, ceramics and her love of gardening- She adored all her pets that came into her life. Always a magnet for a stray that needed a home! It began with little Augie her first cat to Pal, her Border Collie, to Benji, Pierre and finally, her kitty Baby Nutmeg, who was her constant companion until the very end.

Ruthie was a wonderful Mom. Always there, Johnny on the spot, fiery,spunky, good hearted and kind.

Her and Cal were proud parents above all, and loved that they raised not one, but two, Ohio State graduates!

Ruthie was very proud to watch Patti have a long career as an NBC Anchor in Indianapolis. As well as, giving her three sweet grandchildren. Nicolette, Lexi and Johnny.

She was equally supportive to Janie, as her career took her from Hospitality to Business Development. She loved and trusted Janie's partner, Michelle Moyer for the last 16 years as well.

Her last five weeks were difficult navigating the injuries and emotions from her fall and failing health. However, that won't upstage all the years this beautiful, kind hearted person walked among us.

She leaves us with a message she always loved from the late Reverend, Robert Schuller,  "Tough times never last, but tough people do."

We will always remember her - May she Rest In Peace.