Ruth Emma Frey, age 94, of New Philadelphia, stepped into heaven, Sunday, May 31, 2026, while in the care of Park Village Health Care Center at New Philadelphia.

Born in Canton, Ohio on February 22, 1932, Ruth was the second youngest of seven children born to the late Louis and Mary C. Yant Klinagman.

In her adolescent years Ruth grew up on the southern end of Canton and often shared stories about taking the bus to attend Bethany Church every Sunday. Shortly after graduating from McKinley High School, she married Frederick P. Frey, II. Ruth was a loving and devoted mother to her four children who made memorable moments through special picnics at Tuscora Park and drives around town in the family’s 1958 Oldsmobile.

Ruth had a lifelong passion for sewing and creating. As a young girl, she made many of her own school dresses and later sewed clothing for her children. Her talent touched countless lives as she crafted girls' band uniforms, created costumes for the New Philadelphia Winter Guard, and mended garments whenever needed. She also made quilts for her church, grandchildren, and friends, sharing her creativity and care through every stitch. Ruth poured her creativity, care, and attention to detail into every stitch. Her handiwork became a lasting expression of her love for her family and community.

Even while living in the nursing home, Ruth continued sewing baby quilts she designed for future great-grandchildren and members of the nursing staff. She often helped fellow residents with mending. A natural planner, she took pride in keeping everything neat and organized, always making sure there was a place for everything and everything in its place.

Ruth’s faith in God was deep and rooted for many years as a member of The First United Church of Christ at New Philadelphia. She enjoyed being a part of the church’s cookie walks, quilting circles, and helping serve Thursday lunches.

Ruth is survived by her four children, Kathy Borne, Fred (Debbie) Frey, Karen (Dave) Strous, and Patty (Tim) Kryzanowski; her grandchildren, Mark, Marla, Phillip, Eric, Ryan, Joey, Debbie, Shaun, Emilee, and Kevin. Completing the family are numerous loved great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, a granddaughter, Marsha; her brothers, Robert, Donald, Edwin, and James Klingaman; her sister, Irene Jack, and her best-friend Katie Kempf.

The family will greet guests on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 10 – 11 AM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory where Pastor Brian Flood will lead an 11 AM celebration of Ruth’s life beginning at 11 AM. Burial in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia will follow.

Though Ruth has left us here on earth, we her family wish to say: “Thank you for the life lessons, your steadfast example of loving God, and making this world a better place.”