BLAIN

Ruth Ann "Ruthie" (Strine) Blain, 86, of London, died Thursday, January 2, 2025, in the Madison Senior Living Community.

Born April 12, 1938, in London, she was a daughter of Lottie (Souder) and Darrell Strine. A lifelong Madison County resident, Ruthie attended London High School where she was a proud cheerleader, member of the marching band, and served as homecoming queen. She graduated as a valedictorian in 1956 and went on to attend Wittenberg University. At Wittenberg, Ruthie pursued her love for singing and loved to perform with the university choir.  She was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority and a member of the Tau Pi Phi honorary.  Ruthie graduated in 1960 with her bachelor's degree in education. Her love for children, compassionate nature, and dedication to teaching others made her the most amazing instructor. It was in 1961 that Ruthie married the love of her life, William "Bill" Blain, and the two of them became inseparable from that time on.

In her early married years, she worked as a substitute teacher before ultimately deciding to become a full-time mom who was dedicated to raising her family. Later in life, she again entered the workforce and spent over ten years working for the Madison County Prosecutor's Office. A true philanthropist, Ruthie was a long-time member of the Phi Beta Psi Sorority; served on several committees in and around London, attended numerous national conventions, and worked many, many Madison County Fairs at the admissions gate. Truly a perfect position for her with her welcoming smile and friendly demeaner.

Ruthie's hobbies were always changing, but several of her favorite included knitting, sewing, cooking and baking, gardening, reading, both civic and charitable outreach, and vacationing with family in Canada. With a heart truly devoted to caring and helping others, it is safe to say Ruthie's irreplaceable spirit left the world a much brighter place.

Left to continue her legacy include son Jeff (Tonya) Blain and daughter Lisa (Rob) Stafford; grandchildren Christopher (Julie) Blain, Victoria (Aaron) Patrick, Adam Stafford, Emily Stafford, Megan Stafford; great-granddaughter Mia Patrick; sister Mary K. Simpson, brother John Strine; sister-in-law Marjorie Little; host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ruthie now rejoins her parents and beloved husband Bill in Heaven.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM in St. John's Lutheran Church, 380 Keny Blvd, London, Ohio 43140, with Pastor Larry Baker officiating. Interment will follow in Kirkwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ruthie's name may be sent to benefit St. John's Lutheran Church or to Phi Beta Psi Sorority, c/o Janice Closser, 111 Miller Avenue, London, Ohio 43140.

The family is being served by the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140, where condolences are encouraged to be shared online at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.