Ruby S. Butler

Ruby S. Butler, 99, of Carrollton, passed away July 29, 2011, at her home. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at The First Presbyterian Church in Carrollton. Calling hours will be Tuesday 6-8 p.m. at the Sweeney-Dodds Funeral Home. Ruby, daughter of Milton E. and Georgiana (Summer) Smeltz, was born December 12, 1911 and raised at the Smeltz homestead in Union Township. Following graduation from Carollton H.S. in 1929, she received a teaching certificate from Kent State University in 1930 and then taught at two one-room schools (Toot, Union Twp., 1930-32 and Big Six, East Twp. (1933-36). After buying a Christmas tree at the Butler store from Joe H. Butler, Ruby was courted by Joe. They married Sept. 12, 1936. Both were lifelong residents of Carrollton. They started their married life in an apartment above the Butler store, then located in the McCook House. In 1941, they moved to the home on Second St. N.E. where both resided for the rest of their lives. After Joe's death (July 29, 1960), Ruby returned to full-time teaching in 1961 and taught various grade school levels at Kilgore and Carrollton Schools. She also taught remedial reading at Harlem Springs, Mechanicstown and Carrollton. She is fondly remembered by her former students who often visited her at her home. Ruby enjoyed traveling, visiting at least 47 states and six provinces of Canada. She also clerked at the Butler's store during the busy seasons. Throughout her life, Ruby was active in many groups. She was a member of the Washington Hall Grange from 1929 until it was disbanded. After her retirement, she participated in 17 social groups, including Blossom's Country Dancers, Carroll Tones, Camera Club, and Carrollton Book Club. While maintaining a close affinity with the Trinity Lutheran Church in which she was raised and married, Ruby later became a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she served in many capacities, including Elder, Sunday school teacher, leader of Bible study, prayer chain, Presbyterian Women and Lunch Bunch. Surviving Ruby are two children, Donald (Beverly) Butler and Carol A. (C. Robert) Wenger; two grandchildren, Christopher (Sherry) Butler and Curtis (Jennifer) Butler; and two great-grandchildren, Steven and Harrison. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband and a sister, Alice F. Smeltz. Donations in her memory may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, the Carrollton School Alumni Foundation or the Bell-Herron Scholarship Foundation.

Ruby S. Butler

December 12, 1911 - July 29, 2011