Obituary - Ruth Ellen Weirich Doering

RUTH ELLEN DOERING (née WEIRICH), 90, passed away on April 27, 2021. Daughter of Arthur L. and Edna M. Weirich (née Joss), Ruth was born in Massillon OH on August 20, 1930. She was a 1952 graduate of Heidelberg College in Tiffin OH, where she earned a degree in psychology and was captain of the debate team. At Heidelberg she met her husband of 61 years, Roger M. Doering (decd. 2015). Ruth, a member of P.E.O., was devoted to community and education her entire life. After college, she worked for the YWCA in Cleveland, then began a long relationship with the North Royalton (OH) City Schools, the community where she and Roger raised their four children. She was a leader in PTA, an active volunteer, and in 1978 was elected to the first of four terms on the North Royalton City School Board, serving 16 years (1978-1994), often as president. In 1990, Ruth received the prestigious All-Ohio School Board Member Award. Ruth’s work in education also included serving for many years as Director of Christian Education at Parma-South Presbyterian Church in Parma Heights OH, where she and Roger were longtime members. In 2012, Ruth and Roger moved to Glen Allen, Virginia, where they joined Laurel Presbyterian Church. She continued her commitment to serve, even deciding at age 85 to join the church choir. Ruth is survived by her brother, Richard B. Weirich of Janesville WI; her four children, Ellen Petticrew of Charlotte NC, Ann Wren (Jim) of Greensboro NC, Nancy Washabaugh (Dave) of Fuquay-Varina NC, and Jim Doering (Lauren) of Glen Allen VA; seven grandchildren, Rodrick Petticrew (Amy), Brittany Petticrew (Matt), Jeremy Wren, Lily Wren (Buck), Theodore Washabaugh (Elizabeth), Russell Washabaugh (Meredith), Samuel Washabaugh; five great-grandchildren Noah Wren, Kate Ellen Petticrew, Charlotte Ruth Washabaugh, Owen Washabaugh, and Lewis Petticrew and two nephews, Richard T. Weirich and Stephen A. Weirich (Ron). A memorial service is planned for June 2021 at Laurel Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Laurel Presbyterian Church, 9675 Staples Mill Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060.