Ruth Ellen Dunlap

Ruth Ellen Dunlap, lovingly known as Ruthie, Mama, and Grandma, was the matriarch of the Dunlap clan.

Ruth Ellen was born to Maria Thorn Hollingsworth and Cyrus Hollingsworth. She was the younger sister of Max Hollingsworth and Thomas Hollingsworth. A lifelong lover of the arts, Ruthie graduated from Lynn, Indiana, in 1950, where she was active in theater. Even at age 94, she could still recite lines from one of her plays.

She met her beloved husband, Robert Lee Dunlap, at a square dance. They were married just a few months later on January 23, 1955. Robert preceded her in death on May 2, 1996, but their life together was marked by partnership, hard work, and deep family devotion. They owned a farm together and she would say she was very good at driving a combine and tractor, but lousy at chasing pigs.

Ruthie graduated from Indiana Business College in 1952, a skill set that served her well throughout her life. She managed the financial books of the family farm well into her 80s and put her excellent typing skills to use creating church bulletins for Concord Church. Her hobbies were skating, square dancing and water skiing.

Working alongside Robert, Ruthie helped raise pigs, chickens, and six daughters on the farm. She was an active member of the Preble County Porkettes and served as a co leader in multiple 4 H clubs. She was deeply involved with the community of individuals with intellectual disabilities, a cause close to her heart as she lovingly cared for her own mentally handicapped child, Lyn. Ruthie also enjoyed writing and proudly won a contest for one of her short stories published in the Richmond Palladium Item.

Later in life, Ruthie moved to Fairwood Village, where she quickly became a hub of friendship and fun. She brought residents together to enjoy games of Euchre, Bid Euchre, and Rummikub. Her sharp mind was evident in her love of Sudoku and crossword puzzles.

Ruthie is survived by her daughters Terri C., married to Tom Stafford, Debra S., married to Gordon Pardee, Robbi R., married to Jim Valley, Lula D., married to Keith Hake. She was preceded in death by her daughter Lyn M., and by Dawn C. and Dawn’s husband Bob McCoy.

Her daughters hold cherished memories of being comforted when they were injured as Mama sang Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be). She made every Christmas magical, filling the living room with gifts and joy. Most importantly, she taught her daughters lifelong lessons, how to be resilient, successful, happy, and focused on what truly matters. She helped them grow into adults who easily get along with one another and stand strong together. Mama was happiest when surrounded by her daughters, listening to their stories and sharing in their laughter.

She was a devoted and proud grandmother to Shawn, Michael who preceded her in death, Alex, Adam, Cecelia, Billy, Alison, Chris, Mariah, Casey, and Gayle, and multiple great grandchildren, each of whom brought her great joy and many treasured memories. Her grandchildren fondly remember time spent with Grandma on the farm, putting on plays, riding the golf cart, eating pizza, and playing Mario Brothers, a game that Grandma sometimes won to their great surprise and delight. Everyone has stories about Grandma’s beloved “pets,” memories that continue to bring smiles and laughter.

In her high school reunion booklet, she was quoted. “I hope you’ve had a great life-as I have.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Concord Church, 2225 Concord-Fairhaven Rd. Eaton, Ohio. Interment will be held in Concord Cemetery across from the church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the celebration of life at the church.

Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home, Eaton, Ohio.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Concord Church, c/o Don Orr, 3250 Toney-Lybrook Rd., Eaton, Ohio 45320. Condolences may be sent to the family via the Guestbook at www.barnesfuneralhome.com