Ruthe Evelyn (Coulter) Loughridge

TWIN LAKES, Long time Kent resident, Ruthe Evelyn (Coulter) Loughridge, 98, passed away September 7, 2022.  Ruthe was born January 1, 1924, at home in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. She was the only child of George McClelland and Fern Adda (Smith) Coulter. Her paternal Grandmother, Mary Elizabeth (West) Coulter and Aunt, Lillian (Coulter) Fox raised her after her mother’s premature death in 1929.

Ruthe graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1941. Ruthe loved to sing her whole life and even contemplated a career as a singer before studying nursing. She attended Geneva College, then graduated from the Sewickley Valley Hospital School of Nursing, May 23, 1945 (All in PA).  Rev. Robert H. Stephens married Ruthe and Raymond Hayes Loughridge on November 6th, 1947, at the Beaver Falls First Presbyterian Church. She worked as an RN in Pittsburgh, PA; Vandalia, OH; and Kent Visiting Nurses; was the head of nursing at Sea World (Aurora, OH); and completed her nursing career at Kent State University’s Health Center, retiring in 1994. Ruthe also was the neighborhood nurse, treating various nicked up friends of her children when called upon.

She served as advisor to Kappa Phi, and participated in the Kent chapter of P.E.O. International, her Church circle at UMCK, Church Women United, KSU University Women, and many other community groups over the years. She and her husband, Ray, were very socially active into their 90’s; enjoyed travelling to participate in 17th Air Force Association Conventions; attended local theater performances particularly when Dottie and Tom Emerick were in the cast, performances of their children and grandchildren, the Ohio Light Opera; and were avid supporters of KSU and NE Ohio sports teams.  They were frequent diners at Ray’s Place with members of their church.

She is survived by her four children: Susan Rae Loughridge of Millfield, OH., Karyn Wendy Petty (Dale) of Cuyahoga Falls, OH., John Raymond Loughridge (Graciela) of Marina di Pietrasanta, Italy, and Gregg Chris Loughridge (Frances Kenny) of Seattle, WA. Her six grandchildren: Caitlyn Petty Cade (Brian) of Montclair, NJ., Kevin Petty (Christina Worthington) of Washington, D.C., Kyle Petty Mortenson (John) of Arlington, VA., Mara Loughridge (John Gatto), Sean Loughridge, and Andrew Loughridge, all of Miami, FL. Her five great grandchildren: Owen and Jack Cade (NJ), Andre Gregory (FL), Ella and Sam Petty (DC).

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Raymond Hayes Loughridge (2017); son-in-law Dr. Arthur A. Saxe (1999); and cousin, whom she regarded as a brother, Jack Gentzel (2010).

The family would like to thank Ruthe’s friends and church congregation for the support provided.  Special thanks to Gail and Morgan Closs, Jennifer Wilson and Jeff Schumaker, and UMCK Minister of Pastoral Care Douglas Denton; caregivers at the Twin Lakes home Cindy Davis and the late Pat Robusto; her favorite physicians Drs. Jastremski and Ripkin; her friend Charlotte Morton and the staff at Sunrise at Cuyahoga Falls.

Visitation will be Friday, October 14, 2022 at 10:30AM at United Methodist Church of Kent, 1434 E. Main St. Kent, OH. 44240, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00AM officiated by Rev. Dr. David Palmer and Rev. Dougles Denton. For those unable to attend, the service will be recorded and available at the UMCK website.  A luncheon will follow the service at Pierson Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the church or to the charity of your choice. Burial will be at Beaver Falls Cemetery, Beaver Falls, PA, at 1:00 p.m. October 15, 2022.  

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