Ruth Elizabeth Tabor

Ruth Elizabeth Ward Tabor, born in southern Ohio on November 1, 1924, died Thursday morning, July 25, 2019. She was the daughter of Frank and Clara Ward. Ruth was a constant reader, a skilled artist, a gardener, an animal lover, and an expert in knitting, crocheting, and sewing. While still a student at Columbus North High School, she was awarded a scholarship to Columbus College of Art and Design. In 1947, while working at Lockbourne Air Force Base, she married Claude A. Tabor, who became a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. With their children, Ruth and "Tabe" lived in Germany, Japan, Washington, D.C., and Rapid City, South Dakota. Eventually, the family settled in Worthington, Ohio, where Ruth continued a career as an office manager and associate at the United Church of Christ, the Worthington Board of Education, and Riverside Methodist Hospital. With her outgoing, caring personality, Ruth made devoted friends wherever she lived. She was preceded in death by siblings Ethel (Petru), John, Frank, Elmer, Louella (Garen), Vera (Andrews) and Marian (Julien); nephews Sonny Ward and Paul Petru; and brothers-in-law Pete Petru, Chuck Garen, Bob Andrews, and Denny Julien. Her survivors include daughter Margaret Tabor and son-in-law George Kachele; son and daughter-in-law William and Mary Ann Tabor; and numerous nieces and nephews who, in sadness, celebrate the life of Ruth, the last of her generation of Wards. A small private memorial of the immediate family will take place at the Worthington Presbyterian Church Columbarium. Any donations may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, or to the humane or animal rescue society of your choice. Expressions of sympathy or story of Ruth may be made to the family by visiting www.walterfunerals.com.