Ruth Geneva (Edgar) Barber Daubenspeck

Ruth Geneva Barber Daubenspeck, 97, went home to be with the Lord on March 30, 2023 at her home.  Ruth was born in New Brighton PA on March 22, 1926 to the late Ralph and Vesta (Hoey) Edgar.  She was preceded in death by her first husband, James E. Barber, who died in 1962; and her second husband, Richard B. Daubenspeck, who died in 1990.  She was also preceded in death by one brother, Robert Edgar; three sisters, Francis Henry, Doris Youngblood, and Stella Burleigh-Gilliland; two daughters, Judy Donahue and Susan Daubenspeck; one son, Jim Barber; one son-in-law, Jerry Donahue Sr.; and one step-grandson, Joshua Leathley.

Ruth graduated from New Brighton High School in 1944.  She married James in 1945 while he was in the US Navy.  She worked at Curtis-Wright Aircraft Manufacturing during the war.  Ruth and first husband James were faithful members of the Butler Baptist Temple where Ruth taught Sunday School and sang in the choir and ladies trio.  After James’s death, Ruth married Richard (Dick) Daubenspeck in 1966, whom she met at the Baptist Temple.

Ruth loved her role as wife, mother, and grandmother.  She enjoyed biking, camping, counted cross-stitch, and playing the piano, and was always ready for a competitive game of Scrabble.  In 2007, she moved to Byesville to be closer to her daughter, Sonja.  She lived independently until she was 94, then lived the last 2 ½ years in Cambridge with her daughter and family.

Ruth was a faithful member of Bible Baptist Church in Byesville and was “Grandma Ruth” to all the young people there.  She loved to sing hymns and she prayed earnestly for young families to join the church.  She was a kind and caring person and will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. 

Surviving are three children, Joan Noel of Butler PA, Sonja (Steve) Leathley of Cambridge, and step-son, Bruce Daubenspeck of Butler PA.  Ruth is also survived by grandsons, Aaron (Candace) Donahue of San Diego CA, Jerry (Emily) Donahue of Volant PA, and James J. Barber of Cranberry Twp PA; and one granddaughter, Erin Leathley of Cambridge.  Ruth also had 10 step-grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by 3 nephews and 3 nieces.

Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bible Baptist Church, Byesville, on Tuesday (April 4, 2023).  The funeral will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Steve Leathley officiating. 

Burial will be at 12 p.m. Thursday (April 6, 2023) at the Evans City Cemetery in Evans City PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Baptist for the Southeastern Asian Orphan Foundation (Missionary Mike Roberts).

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