Ruth Anne Kimmel Blackburn, age 72, of Jewett passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Weirton Medical Center.

Born May 25, 1952, in Dennison, she was a daughter of the late Earl Kimmel and Virbel Russell Kimmel. Ruth graduated from Jewett High Schol in 1970 and received an associate's degree in accounting from Belmont Technical College in St Clairsville. She worked for 20 years at WC Cardinal, retiring as VP of Administration. She went on to work for UEO in Scio, retiring in 2016. After retiring, she served a term on Jewett Village Council and had been a part-time cook at The Jewett Restaurant.

Ruth was a hard worker who loved her community and was proud to assist with the Jewett Craft Show that her mother started. She organized and worked clean up days and revitalize around town, constructing flower beds at the Jewett School after it closed, as well as helping with the Jewett Haunted House. Her tireless dedication was acknowledged when she won the Jewett Citizen of the Year.  She was also devoted to the St James Lutheran Church in Jewett and their Helping Hands Ministry. During her visits to her sister in Alabama, she loved visiting the many friends she had at the Cottonwood Senior Center. But her heart and soul were her grandchildren, supporting them in their numerous activities and sports; she was their biggest fan, even when she couldn't physically be there.

She was preceded in death by her husband's Curtis Blackburn and Donald Blackburn, a sister Linda Bake and a brother Ed Kimmel.

Surviving are children Mary Blackburn and Troy (Jen) Blackburn both of Jewett, and Tim (Amy) Blackburn of Richmond; grandchildren Crystal (Zach) McClain, Tiffani (Andrew) Zorger, Brittany (Corey) Virtue, Kyle Blackburn, Quade Quillen, Curtis (Harley Boyer) Blackburn, Kevin and Kara Blackburn, Nicki (Roy) Gentry and Travis (Kimi) Mellinger; a sister Donna Abel of NC; brother-in-law Abe Bake of Jewett and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as her numerous fur grandbabies.

Services will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 2 pm in Koch Funeral Home, 101 W Main St, Scio with Pastor Mark Statler officiating. Friends may call Friday evening from 6-8 pm and two hours prior to the service Saturday from 12 – 2 pm. To honor her giving nature, memorial contributions may be made to St James Lutheran Church Helping Hands Ministry, PO Box 145, Jewett, Ohio 43986.  www.kochfuneral.com

St James Lutheran Church
PO Box 145, Jewett OH 43986