Ruth Joan (Logsdon) Williams

Ruth Joan (Logsdon) Williams died peacefully, early Saturday morning, December 13th, 2025. Just shy of 98 years old, Ruth lived a lovely, fully engaged life. She was a smart, quick-witted woman of strong character and faith. As an unflappable parent, a supportive grandmother and often a jokester, Ruth adored her family. Quick to laugh or lend a hand or ear, she was sometimes generous to a fault. Born in Tiffin, Ohio, Ruth grew up during the depression and learned to support herself at a young age. After marrying Donovan in 1947, and having a few children, Ruth and Don built a home and a business just outside of town. The Club 224 was an institution during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. What began as a supper club, The Club evolved into a very popular live rock and roll venue. While raising nine children, she supported her husband, Donovan, as the CFO of their “operation” and learned bartending to help on busy nights. How she managed to get the family to Sunday morning mass every week at St. Mary’s remains a mystery. Music and mealtimes reigned supreme in the Williams household; always hospitable, generous, and lively, if band members were hungry or friends were around, another table was added and more food made. Ruth’s loving generosity always appeared effortless. Retiring to Venice, FL, in 1978 Ruth was finally afforded the opportunity to take time for her own pursuits, and in her words, “I learned how to play and relax”. Ruth loved to play tennis and entertain friends in her home. She became a member of the Sweet Adelines singing group and joined Our Lady of Lourdes bells and singing choirs. According to Ruth, being of service to others was integral to a happy, fulfilling life, and she exemplified this by being a longtime volunteer with Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County, Meals on Wheels of Venice and Englewood, and at Venice Health Park. She was also a Eucharistic minister for many years. Ruth never hesitated to travel to see her children who eventually spread out across the US and beyond. As attested by her family and friends, Ruth never turned down an opportunity/challenge to play a game of cards, a board game or work a puzzle. Her competitive, yet playful sprit was undeniable at the Bunko or Rummy Kube table. Despite slowing down in the past five years, Ruth consistently gleaned enjoyment from reading, movies, witnessing her children interact, and having meals made for her (after raising nine kids, she earned it). Moreover, she hosted the BEST front porch happy hours. Ruth was proceeded in death by her husband Donovan (2000), daughter Theresa (2020) and grand-daughter Alexa Zellers (2018). She is survived by eight of her children; Elaine (Joe) Mannella of Orlando, FL, Steve (Lisa) of Tiffin, OH, Mary Jo Schaller of Findlay, OH, Brenda of Venice, FL, Donna of Bradenton, FL, Joe (Karen aka Baby Ruth) of Camas, WA, Dan (Terry) of Bellevue, OH, and Paula (Terry) Vajgrt of Venice, FL. Ruth is also survived by her very much loved “other” family, Kristi and Ming Lok of Laurel, FL. Ruth doted on and dearly loved her 14 grandchildren (ranging in age from 54 – 28 years old!). With nine beloved great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, Ruth’s life was rich and well lived. She will be dearly missed. Because both Ruth and her late husband Donavan donated their bodies to science for medical research, her inurnment will be held later at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Englewood, FL. Donations may be made directly to Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County.

Tributes

Ruth Joan (Logsdon) Williams

December 13, 2025