Ruth M. Pennington

Ruth M. Pennington, age 96, of McCutchenville, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Wyandot Memorial Hospital. She was born February 1, 1929, in Crawford County to the late Earl and Frona (Ziegler) Brause. Ruth married Robert G. Pennington on April 9, 1950, and he preceded her in death on June 13, 2011.

Ruth is survived by her children, Carolyn (Dan Cleland) Pennington of McCutchenville, Dale (Jan) Pennington of McCutchenville, and Jean (Bill) Eckelberry of Republic; grandchildren, Mike and Matt Eckelberry and Rachel (Kevin) Wertz; great-grandchildren, Evelynn “Evie” and Emery “Emmy” Wertz; and a sister, Florice Leonhardt of rural Bucyrus. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard and Welden Brause.

Ruth was a proud graduate of Chatfield High School, Class of 1947, where she served as class president. She was a lifelong member of Trinity United Church of Christ in McCutchenville, where she faithfully served as a choir member, Sunday School teacher, youth advisor, and member of the Women’s Guild.

A devoted wife and mother, Ruth was a homemaker and worked alongside her husband on their family farm. She was committed to youth development, serving for more than 25 years as a 4-H advisor with the Lucky Homemakers and Mohawk Little Squaws. In 1981, Ruth joined the William Myers McCutchenville Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, which later merged with the Warpole Chapter in Upper Sandusky. A 45-year member, she served as Past Matron and, in 1995, was honored as Grand Representative of Nevada. Ruth and her husband shared many years of service together, holding various offices and committee roles, and cherished the fellowship and friendships found within the Eastern Star.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Trinity United Church of Christ, with Pastor Elyse Cramer officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.until the time of the service at the church. An Order of Eastern Star Memorial Service will be conducted at the beginning of the funeral service. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery, McCutchenville.

Memorial contributions in Ruth’s name may be made to Trinity United Church of Christ, in care of Walton-Moore Funeral Home, 201 W. Saffel Ave., P.O. Box 350, Sycamore, OH 44882. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.WaltonMoorefh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth M. Pennington, please visit our floral store.