Ruth Ann Keck 83 of Zanesfield passed away Saturday, January 19, 2019.

Ruth was born February 23, 1935 in Salem, OH to the late Herman W. and Sarah M. (Hamilton) Lautenbach. On May 23, 1960 in Bellefontaine, she married Harold F. Keck; who she spent 30 years with as a loving and devoted wife. They were seen more as a couple who worked together as team going through life side by side teaching others along the way.

Ruth was a passionate Teacher and Principal for over 28 years. For several years she held both positions simultaneously. She spent most of her teaching and administrative career at East Liberty Elementary. In 2000 Ruth got her Masters of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary. After being ordained, she served parishes including: Philadelphia Lutheran Church, Friedens Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Versailles, OH. She was also an accomplished artist in painting, sculpting and playing the piano. She enjoyed teaching, music and world traveling. She loved flowers, animals and spending time with children. Ruth was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her.

The Family would like to thank the women who were Ruth's caretakers and second family these past years: Leslie Gamble, Pat Newman, Rev. Sharon Harpest, Shirley Bischoff, Lorie Bischoff and Yvonne Slack.

She is survived by her children, William (Gail) Keck and Susan (Thomas) Seeley; grandchildren, Ellen Keck, Carol (Austin) Keck Hamilton, David Keck, Kathleen Seeley and Sarah Seeley; sister, Margaret (Lautenbach) Hoff; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Harold F. Keck; her parents, brother and sister-in-law Walter (Jane Nicholl) Lautenbach; brother-in-law Elford Hoff.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Lutheran Church in Bellefontaine, 208 West Sandusky Street, Bellefontaine, OH 43311. Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. until time of the service at the church. Burial will be in North Greenfield Cemetery following the service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church Christian Higher Education Fund.