Ruth E. Strickmaker

Ruth E. Strickmaker, 81, of Dover, died Monday, July 4, 2005 in Union Hospital following a brief illness.

Born August 19, 1923, she was the daughter of the late John & Hazel Swinderman Forstrom.

For the past several years, Ruth was a familiar, friendly face at United Day Care where she volunteered in the Foster Grandparent program.

She was an active member of the Dover Alliance Church.

Ruth was gifted with talented hands that for years allowed her to express her creativity by knitting, crocheting and making a variety of crafts. She also had a passion for playing Bingo and enjoyed the fun and especially the friendships the game brought her over the years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene “Poncho” Strickmaker, who died on March 16, 1996.

Survivors include: four loving children, Karen Kurtz of Canton, Doug (Shari) Strickmaker of Dover, Duke Strickmaker of Dover, and Robin (Edward) Sexton of New Philadelphia; four grandchildren, Brian (Rebecca) Strickmaker, Jodi Shelley, Michele Sexton, and Kara (Todd) Bond; eight great grandchildren, Alex, Elijah, and Noah Strickmaker, Alexis, Celena, and Trinity Shelley, and Tavon and Aveyon Feaster; her brother, Jim Forstrom of New Philadelphia; and dear friends, JoAnn Petrella and Thelma Huff, both of Dover.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by three brothers, Jack, Ben, and Bob Forstrom.

In celebration of Ruth�(TM)s life, a public graveside service will be held Thursday, July 7 at 2:00 p.m. in the Dover Burial Park with Pastor Tim Steiner officiating. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a reception that will be held in the Dover Alliance Church 228, E. 3rd St., Dover.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Ruth by visiting the “obituaries” link on the funeral home�(TM)s website.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to either the Dover Alliance Church, 228 E. 3rd St. Dover, 44622, or to United Day Care, 1458 5th St. NW, New Philadelphia, 44663.

The Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover is handling the arrangements.

Toland-Herzig
(330) 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com