Ruth Bennett

Ruth Marie Bennett, 79, was reunited with her beloved husband, Cyril “Cy” Jay Bennett in heaven on June 21, 2021. Ruth was born on October 4, 1941, in Wheeling, West Virginia to the late George and Ruth Gantzer whom she deeply loved and admired. With grace, courage, and strength, the dearly loved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her adoring family.  

Ruth embodied the true spirit of Christmas throughout her life regardless of the time of year. Like Santa Claus, she loved giving people gifts, beautifully wrapping them up and hand-delivering them one by one. This brought her and everyone she encountered genuine joy. She gave people so many “things” but all the while she had been giving so much more than met the eye.

Ruth was the epitome of a natural-born leader as the proud oldest sister to her five siblings, George Gantzer (Patricia), James Gantzer, Virginia Isaly (William), Russel Gantzer, and Gregory Gantzer (Rebecca). Ruth was a true matriarch. She never stopped putting in the effort to bring her family together. People often comment on how lucky the Bennett/ Gantzer family is to be so close, but the reality is, it was not luck but one of her many gifts. 

Ruth’s leadership was evident in all her endeavors. From her successful career as a Vice President of Fed One Bank, the time she spent on the Wheeling Planning Commission, teaching banking classes at the local community college, being the president of Kiwanis and her homeowner’s association, to heading the planning committee for all celebrations, she led with poise, elegance and the perfect amount of sass. She gave the gift of helping people take pride in themselves by recognizing their strengths and giving them the confidence to achieve anything they set their minds to. 

At just 19 years old, Ruth met Cy, and their beautiful love story began. They were married on February 16, 1963. Together they had three daughters who were their heart and soul, Susan (Douglas) Hooper, Kristine (Pietro) Sinicropi, and Kimberly (James) Companion. She often commented that the greatest gift you can give to your children is to love your spouse unconditionally. Ruth and Cy were happily married for 58 years. They always put each other first, and their love was a gift and an inspiration not only to their children and grandchildren but to all who were lucky enough to know them.

In 2002, Ruth retired and she and Cy moved to Columbus, Ohio so they could spend more time with their grandchildren, Kaleigh (Zachary) Bagwell, Karli (David) Divoky, Dane Hooper, Kimberly Sinicropi, Cade Hooper, Bennett Companion, and J. Companion, who they loved with all their hearts. Ruth went above and beyond to make her grandchildren happy and shared a special and unique bond with each of them. Her grandchildren fondly remember seeing her in the cheering section at every event with a proud smile stretching across her face and a present in her arms but, the real present was always her dependable presence. 

True to the meaning of her name, Ruth was a compassionate and caring friend. People gravitated towards her. She made everyone she met feel important and brought so much joy to every life she touched. She stressed the importance of being kind, remembering people’s names, and truly listening when they spoke. She was the first person with whom people wanted to share good news and the most loving and supportive in times of need. No one in the world could make those around them feel more special or loved. Ruth gave the gift of true friendship. She brought out the best in people and showed them how to be good friends to others.

The gifts she leaves us can’t be bought in a store or wrapped in a box. However, they can be passed down from generation to generation and shared among family, friends, and strangers. These gifts have made us who we are and inspire us to carry on her spirit to everyone we meet.

Celebration of Life

In Loving Memory of

RUTH MARIE BENNETT

Strathmoor Clubhouse

5541 Bowland Place N, Dublin, Ohio 43016

Saturday, August Seventh, 2021 

At Seven O’Clock in the Evening

Family and Friends are Welcome

Join us to remember a wonderful woman who is greatly missed

In lieu of flowers and meals, we ask that you donate to Hospice Of Central Ohio, who took such wonderful and loving care of Ruth and Cy. We are so grateful to them and would like to support them in continuing to provide their amazing support to other families.