Ruth was born on October 9, 1937, in Wauseon, Ohio, the third of Herthel and Lula (Ruger) Gorsuch’s four children. She attended Wauseon High School graduating with the Class of 1955.
It was during high school that Ruth caught the attention of her 8th grade classmate, Richard Barber, when she sang “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” during a solo in the school choir. A few years later in the 11th grade, Dick started a school dance band in which Ruth was the singer. This was when Dick and Ruth began dating. On September 15, 1957, Ruth married her high school sweetheart, Richard, in their hometown of Wauseon and they have been blessed with over 67 years together.
Ruth’s career was in the field of education where she worked as an administrative assistant for the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) for 28 years, retiring in 1996. She has been a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Adrian and shared her beautiful voice in the choir. Ruth enjoyed her friendships and outings with the Red Hat Society and always found time to read a good book. Ruth’s pride and joy was her family, and she loved being active in her children and grandchildren’s school and sporting events.
In addition to her husband, Dr. Richard E. Barber, Ruth is survived by their children, Regina (Jon) Young of Adrian, Richard A. Barber of Ann Arbor and Randal (Lori) Barber of Marysville, WA; son-in-law, Mark Elder; 11 grandchildren, Brian (Stacy) Mingus, Tracy (Scott) Bearer, Stacey (Anthony) Jesse, Sarah (Martin) Cragie, Anders (Kylea) Barber, Blake Elder, Drew Elder, McKenzie (Chris) Bernal, Miles Barber, Isabel Barber, Sadie Barber; step-grandchild, Bruno Droulliard; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Marcella (Donald) Linn; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Rhonda Elder; brother, Kenneth Gorsuch; and sister Shirley Clevenger.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Donald Linn officiating, at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian, with visitation being held one hour prior to the start of funeral services. A luncheon will be held in the Heritage Room at Wagley Funeral Home following the service. Cremation will follow services and she will be privately laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Adrian First United Methodist Church Organ Fund or to Hospice of Lenawee.
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