Ruby P. Weiss Gonter

Ruby P. Weiss Gonter died on March 30, 2003, in Dover, Ohio. She was born May 12, 1915 in Wayne Township to Monroe and Frances (nee Kaser) Weiss, the youngest of five children. She attended New Germany School, Dundee School and graduated from Sugarcreek-Shanesville High School in 1932. Following in her father’s footsteps, she graduated from Kent State University in 1948 and began her teaching career at Center Valley School in 1942. She taught elementary students in various grades for 35 years, almost all of them at Third Street and Miller Avenue Elementaries, and retired in 1977.After retirement, she spent much of her time pursuing her avid interest in genealogy and as a member of the Tuscarawas County Genealogical Society. She spent many hours exploring county cemeteries, documenting cemetery records, and publishing cemetery books. She was also a member of the Ohio and Tuscarawas County Retired Teachers Associations and the Alpine Hills Museum.On June 15, 1945, Ruby married Glenn Gonter, who preceded her in death in 1985. They had four children: Frances (Charles) Gonter-Gross of Derby Line, Vermont, Geoffry Gonter of Conway, New Hampshire, Gerry (Virgil) Domer of Sugarcreek, and Sue Gonter-Dray of Baltic. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Melissa (Shane) Zehnder, Michael (Shannon) Domer, Alex (Becky) Gonter-Dray, Christopher and Nikolaus Gonter-Dray, Danielle Gonter-Gross, and Abbey and Amanda Gonter. Ruby also has one great-grandson, Layne Zehnder. Her faithful dog and companion of nine years, Max(ine), will miss her as well. Many nieces and nephews also survive.She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Nicole Gonter-Dray and her four siblings: Flora Jaberg, Stanley Weiss, Beulah Walter, and Esta Schlabach. Mom was a dedicated, special teacher to many children over the years. She loved music and made us very happy children with her ability to play the piano by ear and sing to and with us. She often had a stressful life, but her sense of humor and fairness prevailed. She will be greatly missed. We were very blessed to have had her as our mother, grandmother, teacher, and overall incredibly special person.A memorial service will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. at Smith-Geib Funeral Home in Sugarcreek with Rev. Dairel Kiser officiating. Calling hours will be held one hour prior the to service.In lieu of flowers, it is requested that contributions be made to the Alpine Hill Museum, PO Box 293, Sugarcreek, OH 44681.