Ruth Bailey

Ruth Marie Koch Bailey (Mrs. John), 98, formerly of Wapakoneta, Ohio, passed away on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at home. Ruth lived most of her life in Ohio, but had moved to Hixson, in 2005 at the invitation of her son and daughter-in-law. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, John Swartz Bailey. They were married June 4, 1938. A sister, Lois Koch (Leland) Stroh, also preceded Ruth. Ruth was born on April 24, 1915, in Auglaize County, Ohio, to Samuel and Catherine Roode Koch. She graduated from Blume High School in 1933, and was voted the Most Popular Girl in the school her senior year. Ruth carried two attributes through her entire life: a positive attitude; and a sense of humor. These characteristics serve as a fine and loving example to all her family and friends. Survivors include: three sons, John W. "Bill" (Helen) Bailey, of McKinney, Texas, Daniel R. (Irene) Bailey, of Hixson, and Stephen A. (Bev) Bailey, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; a daughter, Johanna R. Bailey, of McKinney, Texas; eight grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Bailey had worked as a secretary at Superior Tube in Wapakoneta. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Wapakoneta, where she had been an organist for many years. Ruth also was a violinist in the Lima Philharmonic Orchestra and was a Past Matron of OES Koneta Chapter 385. She also was a faithful volunteer for the American Red Cross. She enjoyed working puzzles, and was an excellent bridge player. Services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at the Chattanooga Funeral Home on Highway 153, Hixson, with Rev. Brad McDowell officiating. Her interment will be at a later date in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to The American Red Cross, Wapakoneta Chapter, 10 W. Auglaize St., Wapakoneta, OH 45895, or First United Methodist Church of Wapakoneta, 504 Glynwood Road, Wapakoneta, OH 45895. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.