Ruth E. (Luoma) Holthe

Ruth Elizabeth Holthe, 76 of Ashtabula died Feb. 19th, at her home. She was born May 20, 1941 in Ashtabula the daughter of John Emil and Martha (Johnson) Luoma. She was a 1959 graduate of Harbor High School then attended Ohio Northern University for three years where she was active on the school newspaper and editor of the Polaris, the campus literary magazine. She graduated from Kent State University with a B.A. in English.

In July of 1963 she began her career in broadcasting as a copy writer at WREO AM and WREO FM in Ashtabula. In 1965 Ruth was named Traffic Manager at WLBK AM and WLBK FM in DeKalb, Illinois. She additional scripted a film about the city and did several advertising layouts.

In 1979 she returned to the Jefferson and Ashtabula vicinity where she was copy writer and Traffic Manager for WFUN AM and WREO FM. At this time Ruth was the chairman of the quarterly newsletter of the Ashtabula County Humane Society, and was an editor of the Ashtabula Citizen, she wrote articles for the Tri County Chronicle, wrote big band dance articles, worked on the church cookbook committee and created numerous advertising brochures.

Following her retirement in 1998, she worked part time for Wal-Mart in the apparel department for about nine years. She and her dear friend the late Gary Ensman traveled t car shows throughout the country and visited Las Vegas numerous times. Rut was a member of the Ashtabula Seniors Association; Happy Travelers social group; Conneaut and Finnish American Heritage Association; Antique Automobile Club of American; the Western Reserve Chapter of AACA and an honorary member of the Reliance Retirees Club. She was also a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and worked as a precinct worker during elections.

She enjoyed writing, bowling, gambling and competitive baking with scores of ribbons from area County fairs. She also won the “Best of Show” in the Cam AM cake decorating show case in Erie.

She is survived by four nephews, Mark Luoma of Ecorse, MI, Jeff (Hope) Luoma of French Town Twp., MI, James (Mary) Luoma of Maple Grove, MN and Tim (Cathy) Luoma of DeForest, WI , a niece, Susan (Chris) Murray of San Diego, CA. and a cousin, Cliff (Dorothy) Corey of Ashtabula. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and two brothers, Paul and John Luoma.

Memorial service will be Thursday, March 8th at 11:00 am at Bethany Lutheran Church, 933 Michigan Ave. Ashtabula Ohio with Pastor Gail Zackrison officiating. Calling hour will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.         

Contributions in her memory can be made to can be made to Bethany Lutheran Church or to the Animal Protective League.

The Ashtabula Home of Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 526 W. Prospect Rd. Ashtabula is honored to serve the Ruth Holthe family. Condolences, light a candle and obituary at www.fleming-billman.com

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