Leota Barrows

Leota R. “Ruth” Barrows, age 93, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday, February 09, 2008 in New Dawn Health Care Center at Dover.Born in Mannington, West Virginia on June 15, 1914, Ruth was a daughter to the late George “Pearl” and Mary Grandon Freeland.Ruth was raised in Mannington with her four siblings and graduated from Mannington High School. She was a firm believer in education and bettered herself by attending a two year college program in which she proudly earned a degree in business.On December 31, 1937 Ruth married her best friend, Robert Barrows and together, the couple raised a daughter, Shirley.WWII began and Robert found himself away from his wife and daughter as he was called to serve his country in the United States Navy. Ruth followed suit by joining in the war effort and began driving a milk truck.Following Robert’s return home, Ruth gave up the milk truck to stay home and take on the task of becoming a homemaker. The couple later relocated to the Kingwood, West Virginia area and Ruth soon found gardening taking up much of her time. She joined the Kingwood Garden Club and became somewhat of an amateur florist; entering fresh floral arrangements from her garden in contests and earning awards for a number of them.Years later, the couple relocated to New Philadelphia and have called the Tuscarawas Valley home for nearly the past twenty five years.The distance away from her extended family did not stop Ruth from showing her infectious caring for others as she was always keeping tabs on each family member showing true concern for each of them.Mrs. Barrows is survived by her husband of 70 years, Robert and two grandchildren; a granddaughter, Suzanne and her husband Frank Haupt of Canton and a grandson, Steven and his wife Alana Shade of New Philadelphia. Ruth will be sadly missed by two great-grandchildren, James Haupt and Ali Haupt also of Canton. In addition, a niece Linda Vespoint, of Cuyahoga Falls will miss her frequent visits with her Aunt Ruth.Those also surviving are a sister and a brother; Mrs. Rita (Dave) Wetzel and Mr. Gerald (Betty) Freeland both of Mannington, West Virginia. A sister-in-law, Kathleen Freeland of Texas and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to her parents, Ruth is preceded in death by her daughter, Shirley Cerett and two brothers, Junior Freeland and Bud Freeland.In accordance with Ruth’s wishes, cremation will be handled through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia.