Ruth Olive Van Pelt, 94, passed away peacefully August 15, 2018, at her home with her loving family around her.

Mrs. Van Pelt was born on August 17, 1923 in Fairfield Township, OH, a daughter of William and Olive (Iley) Downie. Ruth graduated from Fairfield High school in 1941. She married Mark Van Pelt on April 21, 1946, and together they would raise two children. Ruth worked as an executive secretary at National City (PNC) Bank.

Ruth was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Columbiana, taught Kindergarten at the church and dedicated much of her time there to various activities.  Besides being a homemaker, she also enjoyed growing flowers, especially hybrid tea roses. She also raised strawberries.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her children, Jennette L. Van Pelt and Eric Van Pelt, sister-in-law Sara Downie, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Mark, who passed away on October 19, 1998, and her brother Paul Downie.

Funeral services will be held, Thursday, August 23, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at The First United Methodist Church of Columbiana, 210 S. Main St., Columbiana, OH, 44408.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Seederly-Mong and Beck Funeral Home, 154 S. Elm St., Columbiana, and also one hour prior to the service, at 10:00 a.m. at the church.

A special thank you to Ruth's nieces, Laura and Irene Martin, Ella Horst, and Karen and Rhoda Lehman, who took care of Ruth, especially the last year.

The family would also like to thank Visiting Physician's Association and Grace Hospice for the wonderful care they provided for Ruth.

The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one. In lieu of flowers, Ruth's family would suggest monetary donations to The United Methodist Church of Columbiana.

Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.