Naomi Osborn (Shank)

Naomi "Ruth" Osborn, age 94, of Xenia, passed away at Friends Care Community in Yellow Springs, Ohio on April 3, 2024. Ruth was born on the family farm in Beavercreek Township, Ohio on August 2, 1929 to the late Harry and Bertha Shank (Rickels).

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 38 years, John W. Osborn Jr.; first husband, Harold L. Fischer; sisters, Thelma (Ted) Cline, Wilhelmina (David) Coblentz, Eileen (Bud) Luttrell and Phyllis (Don)Cyphers; brothers, Roger, George and Harry Shank; step-son, Gerald "Jerry" (Paulette) Fischer; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members and close friends.

She is survived by daughter, Gina Marie (Kip Slone) Fischer; son, Gary (Susan) Fischer; daughter, Gaye Dian (Daniel Doherty) Fischer; step-son, Phillip Osborn; grandchildren, Stephen (Linda) Fischer, Danielle (Daniel) Andrews, Corey (Jill) Fischer, Hannah (Juan) Mendez, Rebekah (Jeremy Semelsberger) Coblentz, Kimberly (Ryan Myers) Yarber, Brianna Fischer and Madelyn Fischer; great-grandchildren, Seth Orozco, Gavin Fischer, Eli Mendez, Ethan Fischer, Isabella Orozco, Ian Mendez, Makayla Fischer, Carter Fischer, Vivienne Mendez, Chloe Fischer, Wyatt Andrews, Cambrie Fischer, Kyon Fischer, Noah Andrews and Elyana Fischer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and family members.

Ruth graduated from the old Beavercreek School in 1947. Ruth worked at S.S. Kresge as a window dresser in Xenia. She worked as a Teacher's Aid at McKinley Elementary School in Xenia before returning to being a stay at home mom. Ruth was a Campfire Girls group leader. She was a faithful band mom for Xenia High School Marching Band. Ruth was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #95 in Xenia since 1955. She was also a member of the Beaver United Church of Christ in Beavercreek for many years.

In her free time, she enjoyed watching NASCAR, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cincinnati Reds and the Ohio State University Buckeye Football. Ruth was an avid John Wayne fan and had a room full of his collectibles and memorabilia.

Ruth was short and spunky. She was a tough woman, being a widowed, single mom with three small children for 10 years. Ruth was resourceful and always provided for her children, even going without for herself. All who knew and loved her would describe her as an amazing and strong-willed woman. She was very patriotic and proud of her country, as her late husband John was a WWII Navy Veteran.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth's memory to Hospice of Dayton (324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton) or to the Beaver United Church of Christ (1960 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek).

The family sincerely thanks the entire staff of Friends Care Community for the exceptional care given to Mom the past 4 years. A special thank you to Danielle and Chevelle, who lovingly cared for Mom in her last hours. The family is eternally grateful to Hospice of Dayton for the superior care given to Mom the past 3+ years. Megan was our first Hospice nurse. Trish, who cared for Mom in her last days, and all of the staff, we thank you for your compassion and love! Thank you all! We are forever grateful for you!

The family thanks Newcomer Beavercreek for not only their professionalism but their sensitivity and compassion and for going the extra mile to help us through this process. You are wonderful people!

Visitation will be held from 12:00pm-1:00pm on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Beaver United Church of Christ (1960 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek), where funeral services will begin at 1:00pm with Pastor Brian Eastman officiating. Ruth will be laid to rest at Beaver Cemetery following the service.

A luncheon will be provided at the church following the burial.

To share a memory of Ruth or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.