Ruth Ann Watkins Gallagher, 92

EAST LIVERPOOL – Ruth Ann Watkins Gallagher, a lifelong resident of East Liverpool, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, September 2, 2024, at the age of 92, at Calcutta Health Care Center.

Born on November 25, 1931, in Wellsville, Ruth was a daughter of the late Clyde and Mary Childs Hanlin. Throughout her life, she remained a dedicated member of her community. She began her career as an operator for Ohio Bell Telephone and later worked at Adkins Nursing Home and American Greeting Cards. Ruth was a faithful member of Smiths Ferry United Methodist Church, where she played the piano for over 50 years, touching many lives with her music and taught Sunday school.

Ruth found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She cherished the time spent with her friends at the Night Out Card Club and had a passion for crocheting. Her handmade afghans were often donated to church raffles, but she especially loved to give them to her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank A. Watkins, who passed away in 1992, and her second husband, Daniel Gallagher. Ruth was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Virginia Webb and Bertha Moss, and a step-grandson, Daniel Gallagher III.

Ruth Ann's memory will be forever cherished by her two devoted daughters, Susan Linger and her husband, Steven, of Calcutta, and Nancy Pethtel and her husband, John, of Negley. She leaves behind six loving grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter, as well as two step-children, Karen Adkins and her husband, Dave, of Wellsville, and Daniel Gallagher and his wife, Sandra, of Smiths Ferry, five step-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-grandson. Ruth Ann was a beloved aunt and friend to many.

Rev. Willard Chuck Adkins will conduct a funeral service Saturday at 12:00 noon at the Dawson Funeral Home. Friends may visit two hours prior to the service. Burial will be at Columbiana County Memorial Park.

Following the service, friends and family will gather at the Dawson Family Center for fellowship.