Ruthann Fugitt

Ruthann Fugitt, 74, passed away peacefully August 11, 2020, at Riverside Methodist Hospital after a long and difficult struggle with COPD, her loving husband Gary Van Winkle at her side.  She is survived by her two sons Jeff (Becky), daughter Alexis and son Tyler, Chris (Pam) daughters Katie and Carrie and son Justin; Gary’s son Darren (Jeanne) and their daughter Anna; brother Randy and sisters Rita, Rhonda, Regina, Renee and Rochelle.   She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Roberta Emrich, brother Ronnie and first husband of 40 years Carl Fugitt. 

Ruthann was born in Boston in 1945 when her Dad was in the Coast Guard and moved back to Columbus after the war.  She was a beautician for over 50 years, owning and operating several shops along the way.  She always liked working with the elderly, saying that getting their hair done was always the highlight of their life.  She would talk to the ladies non-stop just to make their day a little brighter.  Of course, in later years this habit didn’t help her COPD.  Ruthann was a talented artificial flower designer and created many beautiful Christmas wreaths and other decorations for anyone who wanted them.  There were few people more generous and kind hearted.  Things would always disappear from home and when asked about it would say she gave them to someone who needed them more.  Untold hours were spent attending her boys and then her grandkids various school and athletic events.  She adored her grandchildren, loved cooking for everyone, spoiling her two dogs Fugie and Winkie, and talking to her life-long friends Earlene and Vera.  Nothing made her happier than when one or more of her grandkids stopped in unexpectedly to get a bite to eat or a snack.  This was often since they were close enough to ride their bikes.   She liked to fish, bowl, garden, and play golf, didn’t really care about Ohio State but thought Notre Dame could do no wrong.   Her philosophy of life was to always do what you thought would make someone happy and the world a better place.  There will be a smile on her face when she thinks of her family and friends as she looks down from Heaven.  A celebration of Ruthann’s very full life will be held October 4, 2020, at Heritage Golf Club, 3525 Heritage Club Dr., Hilliard, OH, from 2-5 p.m.  She said many times that she wanted this celebration to be more like a party, one where everyone told about funny things they remembered her doing or saying. The Tidd Family Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, OH, 43026, assisted the family.