Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
98 W. Main St.
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: 419.663.4513
Fax: 419.663.6809
Cell Phone: 419.663.3504
Email: wehfh@eastmanfuneralhome.com
Website: https://www.eastmanfuneralhome.com/norwalk
View All Obituaries from Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
Margaret A. Ruess, 80, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at Norwalk Memorial Home following a brief illness.
She was born October 16, 1932 to the late Donald R. and Marian M. (Scheid) Lee at North Fairfield, Ohio. Margaret was a 1950 graduate of North Fairfield High School where she was class Valedictorian. She attended The Ohio State University for one year and then returned home to help on her family's farm when her father became ill. Margaret went to work for the Huron County Farm Bureau Cooperative (now Sunrise Cooperative) Lumber yard in 1951. She then moved into the position of office manager at the Cooperative's Townsend Avenue location where she worked until her marriage to Otto C. Ruess, Jr. on February 5, 1960. She was introduced to him by a co-worked one day when he came in to the Cooperative. They were married in the North Fairfield Methodist Church. Margaret and Otto farmed together in Hartland Township until his death in 1981.
She was appointed by the Hartland Township Trustees in 1981 to finish Otto's term as Township Clerk. She then was elected to one term of her own, serving through 1988. Margaret continued to manage the farm with the help of her son Rich and daughter Laurie. In 1985 Rich took over management of the farm, however, Margaret continued with her deep involvement and love of the farm until her death.
She also was very involved with helping Laurie raise and care for a flock of sheep. In June 1983 Margaret went to work in the office of The Norwalk Clinic where she worked until her retirement in June of 2003. Margaret was a 4-H advisor with the Hartland Happy Farmers 4-H Club from 1973 to 1975. She was a member of the Huron County Farm Bureau. Margaret grew up attending the North Fairfield Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school. After her marriage, she attended the West Hartland Methodist Church. Margaret served on the Huron County Farm Services Agency County Committee from 1999 to 2003 as Minority Representative. She had a lifelong passion and love of farming. Margaret could always be found in the spring discing ground or planting, and at harvest time she would be delivering grain to the elevator. She enjoyed working in her garden and yard and spent many hours tending to her blueberry and blackberry bushes.
She was an avid reader, loved country music and Broadway tunes, and enjoyed listening to the music of the Bill Gaither Vocal Band. Margaret had a lifelong interest in 4-H and helped her children with the 4-H activities they volunteer with. Learning and researching family history was also one of her lifelong interests. Margaret also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Her family was always a priority for her. She always enjoyed reading and learning about new things regarding farming as well as a love of farming as it used to be.
She leaves behind her loving children. Daughter, Laurie Jo Ruess, of Norwalk, and son, Richard L. Ruess of Norwalk. A brother and sister in law, Larry and Charlotte Lee of Troy, Ohio. A sister in law, Nancy (Robert) Lee of Las Cruces, New Mexico. A niece, and nephews, and a great niece and nephews, as well as several cousins and close friends. Also a loyal dog, Diamond, and cat, Bat.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Otto C. Ruess, Jr. in 1981, by her brother, Robert Lee in 1999, by her sister in law, Charlotte Lee in 2009, by her parents, Donald and Marian Lee, and by several aunts, uncles and cousins.
There will be no calling hours. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Graveside services will be private. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Norwalk, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Huron County 4-H Committee, in Memory of Margaret Ruess, 180 Milan Avenue, Suite 1, Norwalk, Ohio 44857. Walker Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made by going to www.edwalkerfnralhome.com
