Ruby Reed

Ruby E. Reed, 76, of Crooksville, passed away on November 8, 2026, at Oaks at Northpointe in Zanesville, Ohio, following a life marked by kindness, faith, and devoted service to others. Ruby was born on April 30, 1950, in Corning, Ohio, to the late John and Evelyn (Lemity) Reed. Ruby devoted much of her working life to caring for and supporting others. She worked as a teacher at Head Start, and in more recent years she worked as a home health nurse, a profession that reflected her natural gift for compassion and her deep desire to help those in need. A woman of Christian faith, Ruby was a devoted member of Iliff Methodist Church. She found strength and fellowship in her church family and was active in the United Methodist Women, the Iliff Church Choir, and the Iliff Book Club. She was also a dedicated volunteer with Love Thy Neighbor Food Ministry, where she gave her time and energy to serving others in her community. Her faith was evident in the way she lived, in her kindness toward others, and in the quiet and steady encouragement she offered to those around her. She is survived by her children, Joseph Ratliff, Tony and Katie Ratliff, Chandler Ratliff, and Timothy Ratliff. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Greg, Ryan, Jazmine, Lacey, William, Keela, Kevin, Kyrstyn, Cordin, Rainbow, Dwayne, and Monica, who brought joy and pride to her life; several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother, Raymond Reed, and her sisters, Gloria Allen and Kay Watts, as well as her sister-in-law, Susan Reed. Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mike Helser, and by her parents, John and Evelyn (Lemity) Reed. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Marie Wells, Bill, Bob, Kenneth, and John Reed, as well as her brothers-in-law, Duane Watts and Bob Allen, and her sisters-in-law, Vonnie Reed and Wanda Reed. Calling hours will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at Iliff Methodist Church, 3992 Flint Ridge Road, Crooksville, where services will begin at 6:00pm with Pastor Emory Clark officiating. You may sign the online register book at www.ross-frashfuneralhomes.com