WOOSTER – Ruby Fern (Zimmerman) Van Zile, 96, passed November 3, 2015 at Wayne County Care Center, Wooster, Ohio. She had been in assisted living there since December of 2011, except for a recent short stay at LifeCare Hospice facility.
She was born on September 20, 1919, being the youngest of 6 children of Cleveland G. and Floy E. (Lehr) Zimmerman of New Pittsburg, Ohio. One sibling, Roy, survives. Her husband, Paul L. Van Zile died previously on August 31, 1989. Edward P. Van Zile of Wooster, and Patricia S. (Daniel R.) Fisher of Hummelstown, PA, are Ruby’s children. G. Phil Toy, Jr. of Mechanicsburg, PA and Eric P. Toy of Hummelstown, PA are her grandchildren.
Ruby was a lifelong resident of New Pittsburg, spending her school years at Chester school, with her elementary years as a student of her father. She worked at Timken Roller Bearing during WWII while her husband, Paul, was in the service. They spent their early marriage on a farm only a few miles from where she was born. Ruby and Paul soon relocated back to New Pittsburg where they built and sold several houses on land that had been her father’s, always making their home in one of those houses.
Together they were involved with the New Pittsburg Volunteer Fire Department, helping out with fundraisers and donating their time behind the scenes. Ruby had also been a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in New Pittsburg, where she also quietly served in various roles. During her midlife she had worked at Rubbermaid, The Wm. Annat Company, and later retired from the Wayne Savings & Loan in Wooster.
Nothing said in this obituary could fully describe the humility, kindness, compassion, and gentleness with which Ruby lived her life. She was not one to create disharmony with anyone or draw any attention to herself. In her later years, she became even sweeter, more easygoing and kindhearted, and accepted with contentment the direction that her life had taken. Ruby never lost her sense of humor even amid times of discomfort or difficulty. She enjoyed having fun and being playful with the Care Center staff, whom she loved very much – and she won the hearts of all those who cared for her, from the Care Center to the Wooster Hospital to the LifeCare Hospice facility.
She truly lived each day as it came without complaint; she lived modestly, but with a strong faith that sustained her. God blessed her with His mercy and peace, and she would be pleased to credit Him with all that she became; she let His grace happen in her life. And we know she is now happily at home with Jesus and all those who have gone before her. Ruby was a gentle soul who will be missed greatly, but who will live on through those of us who have wonderful memories of her.
As Ruby’s family, we would like to thank the Wayne County Care Center staff for their loving care of our mother/grandmother. She commented often, The people are so nice. She felt very secure in knowing that she was well cared for and loved; she so ‘enjoyed the friendships that developed with so many special people there. She often chuckled at the thought that her room was the ‘favorite hang-out’ for her caregivers. It was obvious that they truly enjoyed spending time with her! And during these last difficult days, the Care Center staff displayed their great love and compassion in their gentle care of our mom, always making sure she was comfortable. They extended their love to us as well by providing the Respite Room for our use, along with food and much needed coffee – there was every provision offered to us as we stayed with Mom during her transition.
We would also like to thank all those from St. Peter’s Lutheran church who came regularly to visit and pray for and with Mom, as well as other friends who paused their life to spend time with her.   So many people came to visit and we heard the words, œI love you, Ruby  over and over.   Surely it warmed her heart, as well as ours, to have such kind people in her life; she was never disregarded.
Additionally, we would like to thank LifeCare Hospice for making available an absolutely beautiful facility, not only for our mother but for our family, during several of her final days. We think she may have been pampered more than she had ever been in her life! It was a joy to see her let others treat her so special.
Finally, we would like to thank Peggy Hibbs for transporting Dov, her Newfoundland therapy dog, to visit. Dov knew exactly what to do to bring a smile and be the brightest spot in Mom’s day.
To honor Ruby’s wishes and follow through with the simplicity of her life, there will be a private family graveside service only. However, she would be very humbled and yet pleased for donations to be made to any of the following organizations in her memory: Wayne County Care Center, 876 S. Geyers Chapel Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 9451 Ashland Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691; LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691; New Pittsburg Volunteer Fire Dept., c/o Roger Kamp, 1466 Perry Twp. Rd. 35, Wooster, OH 44691.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
 

Memorial Contributions
Wayne Co. Care Center, 876 Geyers Chapel Rd., Wooster, OH 44691; St. Peter Lutheran Church, 9451 Ashland Road, Wooster, OH 44691; Life Care Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 ; New Pittsburgh Volunteer Fire Dept., c/o Roger Kamp, 1466 Perry Twp Rd. 35, Wooster, OH 44691

Service
Private family services

Visitation
No calling hours