Ruth

Raymond L. Ruth, 81, of Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in Erie, formerly of Greenville and Sharon, passed away at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Erie VA Medical Center, Erie, following a brief illness.

Raymond was born in Eau Claire on Oct. 17, 1930, to the late Edward S. and Leona C. (Love) Ruth.

He served in the U.S. Navy as a machinist mate fireman, earning the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Occupational Service Medal with a European Clasp.

Raymond retired in 1990 from Packard Electric in Warren, Ohio.

He was very active in Boy Scouts, especially Troop 5 in Hermitage. He served in many capacities, including assistant scout master, scout master and district commissioner. He also attended many national events and assisted with many Eagle Scout ceremonies.

He belonged to almost all of the local fraternal and social organizations, but was most active with the Greenville Moose Club, where he earned the Pilgrim Degree of Merit, the highest honor bestowed upon its members.

He was a collector of many things, including coins and stamps.

Raymond is survived by one son, Chris A. Ruth (Debra A.) of Hadley, Pa.; two daughters, Sandra Ruth of Eau Claire and Jody Brown (Robert) of Erie; seven grandchildren, Todd R. Ruth, Bryan E. Ruth, James A. Guiste, David M. Guiste, Samuel E. Guiste, Randy L. Brown and Ashley C. Caruso; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Alice Morris of Mercer; and two former wives, Betty Anderson of Linesville, Pa., and Marge Francis of Clintonville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward W. Ruth and Alfred S. Ruth.

<B>RUTH</B> — Friends of Raymond L. Ruth, who died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the <B>Osborne-Williams Funeral Home and Cremation Services</B>, 73-75 Columbia Ave., Greenville, where funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday. Burial, with graveside committal service, will follow at Eau Claire Cemetery in Venango Township, Butler County.Memorial contributions can be made to Boy Scouts of America at www.scouting.org.An online guest book can be signed at www.osbornefuneralhome.com.