WORTHINGTON, OH - Ruth Ann Vukovich, née Ramsey, 79, died suddenly February 24, 2026 at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital in Westerville, OH. She was born December 27, 1946 in Youngstown, OH, the 4th child and only daughter of Winton and Jessie (Morrow) Ramsey.

Ruth graduated from Brookfield High School, Class of 1964, where she played alto saxophone in the band. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English in 1968 and her master’s degree in 1983, both from Youngstown State University.

Ruth wed Joe Vukovich on August 14, 1973 at St. Patrick Church in Hubbard, OH, beginning 52½ years of a loving marriage. Settling in Hubbard, Ruth and Joe raised two sons, Joe & Patrick. The family grew when her son Joe married Lauren and two grandsons, Joey and Henrik, were eventually born. The boys affectionately referred to their grandma as “YaYa.”

Ruth taught English for 30 years at Hubbard High School, where she was “a force of nature” who impacted generations of students as both writers and human beings. Her passion for education extended to an active role in the NEA and participation with the National Council of Teachers of English. After retiring in 1999 she worked in educational publishing at The Center for Learning, authoring a curriculum for teaching Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees. She stayed active for years as an employee of the Census Bureau, substitute teacher, bartender at St. George Croatian Center, and Franklin County election poll worker.

Ruth was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage, enjoying three visits to the Emerald Isle, as well as annual visits to Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Her love of travel took her to Europe several times, even leading a trip to Italy with her son Joe, and a group of teens, with CISV. For decades, Ruth and Joe enjoyed summer vacations to Kiawah Island, SC, as well as travel throughout the US to visit their children, siblings, and cousins. Closer to home, Ruth was a passionate gourmet cook. Ever-social, she competed for 25 years in a recreational bocce league, enjoyed Supper Club, and supported Joe in his service to CFU St. George Lodge 66 in Youngstown. Always a beer lover, Ruth jumped into the craft beer revolution with gusto, becoming a self-professed “hop head” and valedictorian of Beer School, where her community of friends grew even larger.

Ruth’s faith and family led her to serve in many capacities at St. Patrick Church in Hubbard (Liturgy Committee, Eucharistic Ministry, Lector, festival worker, & CRHP Renewal), and later at St. Joseph Church in Sharon, PA. She adapted the scriptural passage of the Woman at the Well into a one-woman performance. Ruth gave charitably to many organizations. She consistently supported her son Patrick in running marathons with Team World Vision, raising funds for clean water projects around the world.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, brother David Ramsey and his wife Judy, brother Donald Ramsey, niece Karen Ramsey, and step-father Walter Studer. Ruth is survived by her husband, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandsons, as well as brother Richard Ramsey and his

partner Ruth Ann Ogle, sister-in-law Ruth Ann (Donald) Ramsey, her in-laws, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and one great-great niece.

Calling Hours

Monday, March 9 from 5 PM to 7 PM

Tuesday, March 10 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM

Kelley-Cummins Funeral Home, 709 N Main St, Hubbard, OH 44425.

Memorial Service

Tuesday, March 10 from 11:30 AM to Noon

Kelley-Cummins Funeral Home, 709 N Main St, Hubbard, OH 44425.

An “Irish Wake” to celebrate Ruth will follow at The Eagle Grille & Tavern, 29 N Main St, Hubbard, OH 44425.

A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make a donation to either of these charitable organizations dear to Ruth’s heart, or to any charity of your choice:

Team World Vision

https://www.teamworldvision.org/participants/Patrick-Vukovich

Autism Speaks

https://www.autismspeaks.org/

Please visit www.kcummins.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the family.