Ruth-Joy Moffitt

Ruth-Joy Moffitt Ruth-Joy Moffitt, age 89, of Indianapolis, formerly of West Mansfield and Columbus, died Sunday, October 28, 2012, at the Robin Run Care Center in Indianapolis after suffering a stroke in April. Ruth-Joy was a 1941 graduate of Middleburg High School, attended Ohio State University, and received a two-year degree from Columbus Business College. She served as secretary with the LUC Regional Planning Commission for 18 years, retiring at the age of 75. Prior to that, she was employed as a secretary in the administrative offices of Bellefontaine City Schools and Bokescreek Local Schools. She became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Fern Chapter, in 1944 and had served as its Worthy Matron and organist. She was honored in 1966 to serve as the Grand Organist for the State of Ohio and continued to enjoy her membership with the OES when the Fern Chapter merged with Marysville's OES, Mary Chapter #9. Blessed with musical talent and a musician's soul, her passion for music was life-long. Ruth-Joy began violin lessons at 8 years old and was a member of the Lima Symphony Orchestra and the Sarasota Pops Orchestra as an adult. She was a longtime member of the West Mansfield United Methodist Church serving as choir director for 40 years and, upon moving to Columbus, was a member of the Walnut Hills United Methodist Church where she served as church organist. In her later years at Robin Run, she still served as church pianist and was a member of the bell choir. Her advice to all would be to "Keep a song in your heart!" Ruth-Joy cared about people and their lives. She was also a collector of many inspirational quotations. With her beautiful penmanship, she put these traits together and wrote many personal and cherished notes to friends and family through the years. Beloved by her family, respected and relied upon by many in the community of West Mansfield and beyond, she leaves behind many, many friends whose lives she touched with her music and her loving care for others. She was born June 22, 1923, in Marysville to the late Pearl and Ruth Collins Lockwood. She married Denton Moffitt on February 25, 1945. She celebrated the rites of marriage in a double wedding in Abilene, Texas with her groom Denton, her brother E. Ladru, and Marcella Wiley. Denton preceded her in death on June 2, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her son, Robert Moffitt, as well as Ladru and Marcella Lockwood. Survivors include her daughter, Sharon (Larrie) Wilkins, Indianapolis; 2 grandchildren, Marcus Wilkins, Indianapolis; and Kelly (Chris) Carrethers and their son, Chase, all of Tampa, FL; her sister, Wanda Winkle, Newark; a brother-in-law, Philip (Jane) Moffitt, Marion; and several nieces, nephews, and their children. Friends may call from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, November 4, 2012, at Mannasmith-Schnurrenberger Funeral Home, West Mansfield, where an Order of the Eastern Star memorial service will take place at the conclusion of calling hours. Reverend Doug Thompson will conduct the funeral service on Monday, November 5, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the West Mansfield United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Middleburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Mansfield United Methodist Church. A memorial service for Indianapolis friends will take place at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at www.mannasmithfuneralhome.com.