Ruth Baas

Ruth Held Baas, age 84, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, on January 29, 2025. She was preceded in death by parents Clarence and Francis Held, her high school sweetheart and husband of 59 years Frederick (Fritz) L. Baas, her son Brad Baas, her sisters Evelyn Frey, Helen Spohn, Linda Jacob, her sisters-in-law Arey Baas, Marie Baas, Sharon Kenney, Carol Baas, Sally Ann Bickley and brothers-in-law Wendell Spohn, Ray Jacob, Gerald (Gay) Yarnell and John and Donald Baas. She is survived by her son Richard (Lori Jo) Baas, sister Barbara Yarnell, brother Frank Held. Her grandchildren, who brought her so much joy, Caleb (Amber) Baas, Megan Baas, Brooke (Jason) Bishop, Dr. Wesley (Patti Sue) Baas, Skylar Baas and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Claire (Wendell) Kessler, brother-in-law Andy Frey and many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her dear friend Jedd Whalen with whom she shared many special and happy times in this, the last chapter of her life.

Ruth graduated from Bexley High School, class of 1959. After graduating high school, she was employed by City National Bank in the bookkeeping and credit departments. She became a full time homemaker with her growing family and enjoyed volunteering with Children’s Hospital Twigs, various church groups and being a community volunteer. Ruth then ventured into the field of real estate and earned her real estate license. She eventually found her way to the Franklin County Court of Domestic Relations/Juvenile where she was the Office Manager for 25 years.

Ruth’s father was the founder of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church which played a large part in Ruth’s life. Ruth and Fritz were loving parents to their sons and Richard remembers they never went to bed as children, even through their teens, without good night kisses from each of them.

You always knew where you stood with Ruth. She had a no nonsense approach to people and life, yet, in her high school yearbook her picture caption read: “She’s one of those happy souls who are the salt of the earth”. This fit her to a tee and her personality of bringing joy to others followed her to The Gables of Westerville where she moved after Fritz died. It was the perfect location with her sister Barb nearby who often joined her sister in her activities. Here, Ruth “spread her wings” and was given the nickname, the Pied Piper, as she organized OSU football parties for everyone to enjoy and joined all activities offered while encouraging others to be part of the fun. Ruth had enjoyed fishing and the outdoors with Fritz, however, her later interests at The Gables included painting and drawing. No one ate alone if Ruth was around. She welcomed all newcomers to The Gables and invited them to breakfast or lunch. She became known as the “unofficial Social Director” in the early days of The Gables opening. Her impeccable style in putting her daily outfits together was noticed by all.

Ruth was also known for her ability to win…any game you challenged her to she took seriously and was always in it to win. This is how she got the name “Ruthless Ruth” – card games, dirty marbles, monopoly, trivia – if Ruth was playing she wasn’t going to “give” a game to you…you had to earn the win. Richard notes this held true throughout his childhood and the many games they played as a family. He carried on the game tradition with his children.

Her kindness and concern for others is what made Ruth…Ruth. She held a special place in the hearts of her family and friends’ and will be missed by all whose life she touched. The family would like to thank the staff and residents at The Gables for their love and support during these last difficult days. They would also like to thank the kindness and support of Capital City Hospice.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, February 8 at Schoedinger Northeast Funeral Home, 1051 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, from 2pm to 3:30pm with a Memorial Service to follow at 3:30pm. In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, please consider a donation to Capital City Hospice contacted at: capitalcityhospice.com/donate or The Hope Foundation, 3027 Lorna Rd, Ste 200, Birmingham, AL 35216.