Ruth Marie Zembower

Boardman-Ruth Marie Sybrant Albright Zembower passed away peacefully at her home in Boardman, Ohio on Wednesday evening December 9, 2020, with her devoted husband Norman Zembower by her side.

She was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on June 19, 1923, the third and youngest child of Edward Lyle Sybrant and Mary Ethel Nangle Sybrant.  Her family, including her older brothers Paul and Harold ”Sy,” moved to Hubbard, Ohio where they remained through her school years. She graduated from Hubbard High School in the Class of 1941, where she was active in basketball and baton twirling competitions. Ruth maintained life-long friendships with her classmates Dern Raseta, Mary “Muggs” Stewart, and Annie Keenan, and they enjoyed each others companionship for many years.

One of her first jobs was working for General Fireproofing as a riveter in helping with the war effort. Some might say Ruth was the poster child for “Rosie the Riveter” with her spunk and determination to do a “man’s job” during the war, and she delighted in the comparison. She would often tell the story of how the girls, with her in lead, would play jokes including riveting a male co-worker’s metal lunch bucket to the work bench. She claimed when the laughter ended and he found out she was responsible, he twisted her arm and accidently broke it!

Soon after the war was over she married John “Jack” Dorsch Albright on November 30, 1946. They moved from Hubbard to Youngstown, Ohio to start their family. Their family grew quickly with 3 daughters: Jean Marie (Gus Santos), Linda Ruth (Jeffrey Baxter), and Nancy Jane (Frith Harwood).  Ruth was very active in all aspects of their lives including being a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, and swimming instructor. She also enjoyed teaching her daughters and their friends to sew, paint, cook, and bake.

Ten years later a son Robert “Bob” John (Julie), followed by son Richard “Rick” John (Vicki) were added to their family, and Ruth once again became active in their lives through being a Cub Scout leader, supporting their adventures with dirt bike riding, bicycling, tennis, and sledding.

Ruth’s family and friends were always important to her and she made sure to spend time making memories during their many adventures. Her plan included picnics, camping, swimming, and hiking on their many travel-by-car adventures. Vacation spots included inviting places like Pymatuning Lake, Gettysburg, Niagara Falls, and Canada.  Ruth traveled extensively with her sons and a life-long friend Judie Prokop and son Franklin, to vacation getaways and visiting distant relatives. A trip was never complete unless it included a stop for ice cream, because she was never too busy for her favorite dessert.

Ruth was a long-time dedicated member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Midlothian Blvd., Youngstown. This is where she met her second husband, Norm Zembower whom she married on December 23, 1993. Ruth and Norm eloped to Las Vegas to marry when she was a young 70 years old. Then they spent a happy 27 years together. They were both very active in the church before its closing in 2014.  Ruth served in many positions including financial secretary, event planner, chief cook, and all around organizer. Ruth joined the Ladies Quilting Group which fashioned heirloom handmade quilts to be sold to support church fundraisers. She and Norm were the main organizers of the outreach meal program that provided turkey dinners, soup, and meals for hungry parishioners.

Ruth and Norm and their church friends Phyllis and Bill Diehm participated in many summer bike trips with GOBA, sponsored by Bob Evans Farms. They met many friends on their trips and were able to plan time for camping, canoeing, and white water rafting during the summer months and cross-country skiing during the winter.

In Ruth’s retirement years, she occupied herself with her gardening and tending her flower beds. She loved any type of art and had done oil painting as a young girl. She took up painting ceramics and upholstering as an adult, and never seemed to tire of learning new hobbies. To relax, Ruth always had a crossword puzzle or Sudoku nearby and was an avid reader and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast.

Ruth leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Jennifer Rieser, Jason Santos (Shannon), Joy Hess (Ben), Aaron Baxter (Jodi), Amy Dutiel (Corey), Adam Baxter, Graham Albright, Brooke Albright, Michael Albright, and Nicole Albright and 9 great-grandchildren, James Rieser, Isabella Rieser, Sabina Rieser, Judah Santos, Silas Santos, Gloria Hess, Lewis Hess, Maxwell Baxter and Alexander Baxter.

She also leaves behind her step-children, Andrew Zembower (Linda) and Sandra McFarland; 4 step-grandchildren; and 2 step great-grandchildren.

As we say goodbye to our hero, mentor, teacher and role model, we would like to thank those who cared for her so lovingly and thoughtfully. Special thanks to her caretakers Sherry, Tyesha, Susan, and Rosemary and many others who touched her life and impressed us with their care.

A private family viewing was held at the funeral home on December 19, 2020. A memorial service will be planned for the future to celebrate her 98th birthday, and all who remember our wonderful mother and matriarch are welcome to come and celebrate.

In lieu of gifts and flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in her name.

Arrangements are by the Davis-Becker Funeral Home. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share online memories and condolences with the family.