RUTH B. BALGE

Here's what we know for sure, Ruthie:

Ruth (Barr) Balge, age 96, of Mantua, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022. She was born on Saturday, January 9, 1926, in Mecca, Ohio, to the late Alva and Rose (nee Crow) Barr.

She led a life full of love and excitement. 1 of 13 siblings, the 10th child, and a twin to Russell, Ruthie loved to tell stories of her childhood and her many adventures with her late husband, Whitey. Living in Texas, Ruth enjoyed baking at the local grocery store & working with Whitey at a restaurant. As a member of the Fire Department's Women's Auxiliary in Wisconsin, Ruthie enjoyed telling the story of the time when the Women's Auxiliary was called on to perform a bucket brigade to extinguish a house fire while all of the men were in the city. While living in Ohio, Ruthie was a dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary Mantua Unit 193 and the "40 and 8". She always spoke highly and was immensely proud of all of her family members who joined the armed forces. Ruthie could always be relied on to provide everyone with a mandatory toothpick and a napkin to spit it out on. Aside from her daily cups of black tea, Ruthie always smiled when Hal would send her flowers and when her many great nieces and great-great nieces and nephews would surprise her with McDonald's milkshakes, brownies, cupcakes, pumpkin rolls, or carrot cake. In her free time, Ruthie was an avid supporter of Avon and would love to sew various crafts including baby blankets, foldable blanket/pillows, and float potatoes among many family favorites. While living a full life of no regrets, she enjoyed sharing some her favorite things like slots, playing cards, and a cold one. A professional card and game player, Ruthie mastered Hand and Foot, Bridge, Pay Me, Mahjongg, Rummikub, Checkers, and War. Always aware of her appearance, Ruthie meticulously cared for her hair and nails while staying abreast of the latest fashions.

Ruth will be deeply missed by her son, Hal Balge; grandchildren, Zachary (Carol) Balge, Austin Balge, and April (Isaac) Adames; great-grandchildren, Joshua Balge and Zayden Adames, all originating from Boulder, Colorado; her many generations of nieces and nephews; dear friends, and her fur babies, Buffy and Terrence.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; siblings, Hazel (Wade) Freeland, Colven "Cal" Barr, Ora Mae (William) Bonar, George (Phyllis) Barr, Mary (Everton) Barker, Ezra "Lee" (Anne) Barr, Alva "Sheiky" (Ruth/Helen/Cecelia) Barr, Jr., Rebecca "Becky" (Allen) Major, Kenneth Barr, Russell (Robanna) Barr, Thomas "Frank" (Hazel) Barr, and Carl "Papa Gum" (Rita) Barr.

Per Ruth's wishes, she is to be cremated. A Celebration of Life has been planned for April 30, 2022, from 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. at the Mantua American Legion, 4808 E High St, Mantua, OH 44255. Care for Ruth was entrusted to Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231.