Ruth J. (Pritchard) Richard

Ruth J. (Pritchard) Richard, 95, of Dover passed away at the Community Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia on Friday, November 5, 2021.


Born in New Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Harley and Sophia (Maurer) Schide.


Ruth graduated with the class of 1943 from Dover High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education after attending Muskingum College and the University of Akron. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching and retired from Dover City Schools after 30 years.


Ruth was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Dover where she taught Sunday School. She was active in numerous organizations throughout the community including Dover Historical Society where she was a tour guide at Reeves Museum. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She looked forward to many family beach vacations spent at Emerald Isle, NC.

She married Donald “Gene” Richard on July 5, 2003. Donald preceded her in death on September 15, 2006. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Dale Schide.


Ruth leaves behind her three daughters; Sarah (Don) Goodwin of Westfield Center, OH, Amy (Gary) Derck of New Bern, NC, and Mary Ann (William) Kearney of Chapel Hill, NC; six grandchildren; along with eleven great-grandchildren; her step-son, John (Karen) Richard, Alpharetta, GA; four step-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Wilson; nephew, Alan (Karen) Schide; and her niece, Tara (Larry) Miller.

Friends and family can call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, November 12, 2021, from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm. A memorial service will be held following calling hours at 2:30 pm. The family asks that due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, guests wear masks. To sign an online guestbook for Ruth, visit the obituary link on the funeral home’s website.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Community Hospice Truman House, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.