Ruth A. Greiffenhagen

Ruth A. Greiffenhagen (nee Kettlewell) was born December 1, 1934, at Powhatan Point, Ohio. She was one of 9 children born to Robert Simon Kettlewell (deceased) and Neva Lenore Kettlewell (nee Caldwell, deceased). She was preceded in death by her first husband Kenneth O. Triplett, second husband Wolf W. Greiffenhagen, youngest daughter Wendy S. Triplett, and brothers Paul Kettlewell, Robert Kettlewell, Albert Kettlewell, Charles Kettlewell, and sisters Infant Kettlewell, Alice Egy, and Edna Giamamarco. She is survived by her daughter Juyne V. Triplett (Robert K. Riordan), daughter Julie A. Simonson (Bradley L. Kennedy), granddaughter Stephanie M. Simonson, grandson Stephen W. Simonson, and sister Edith Orkis.

Ruth graduated from St. Clairsville High School, Ohio, in 1952. In 1974, she graduated with honors from the Lorain County Community College Nursing Program with an Associates Degree in Applied Science. During her life Ruth worked in a variety of positions-an office secretary, a medical terminologist at the Oberlin Clinic, an RN at Oberlin’s Allen Memorial Hospital, and a legal secretary at the Sarringhaus and Dougan law firm in Oberlin.

A primary focus throughout Ruth’s life was her role as a mother. She was a loving and supportive mother to her three daughters. She was especially dedicated to, and a staunch advocate for, her youngest daughter, Wendy, who was physically disabled. Later she enjoyed being a grandmother, and her grandchildren meant the world to her. She loved spending time with them, attending their sporting events, introducing them to the theatre, and taking them on vacation.

Ruth was a poet and writer. In midlife she started a new venture when she began to write an opinion piece for the Oberlin News Tribune entitled Grin and Bare It. She was a voracious reader, and loved to crochet, dance, sing, listen to music, and travel. She enjoyed both domestic and international travel, and especially cruising.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday December 2nd at 11:30am at the Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main Street, Wellington, OH. In lieu of flowers the family requests a memorial tribute to either the Friends of Murray Ridge (support for area residents with developmental needs) 1091 Infirmary Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035, or The American Heart Association at heart.org/Ohio. Fond memories and condolences may be shared online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com

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