Ruth Ann (Crano) Riter

STOW - Ruth Ann (Crano) Riter, age 85, transitioned peacefully into the arms of our Lord on July 10, 2022.

Ruth graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School and shortly thereafter, married the love of her life, Ray Riter. Together they raised their children and operated their family company, A. Crano Excavating. Ruth loved flowers, a warm cup of coffee, her morning paper at Tip Top, and playing her organ, but most of all, spending time with her family. Nothing made her happier than preparing a big pot of her homemade spaghetti and meatballs and having all the family together to enjoy it!

Ruth joined her parents, Anthony and Margaret Crano; husband, Ray; son, Steve, and sisters, Mary and Jean, in Heaven. Left to mourn her loss are her sister, Patti Rounds; her children, Tony (Cathy) Riter, Diane (Jeff) Teague, Jim (Kelly) Riter, and Raymond (Jennifer) Riter; grandchildren, Jamie (Jason), Jenna, Tony, Jr., Jeremy, Janelle (Matthew), Jimmy (Lauren), Quinton, Demi, Raymond (Tiffani), Ryan (Vianna), Robby, and Becca; great-grandchildren, Jason, Grant, Gabby, Julia, Jeremy, Jr., Jayce, and Mason; great-great grandson, Jacob, and numerous friends who were like family to her.

Ray, you did go first and I remained to walk the road alone
I lived in memories dear, with happy days we'd known
I waited for roses red when the lilacs faded blue
In fall when brown leaves fall a glimpse of you

You did go first and I remained to handle everything I could do
And along the way will be a hollow spot thinking of you
I hear your voice
I see your smile
And the memories of your helping hand
We had known so much happiness, We had our cup of joy
And memories are one gift of God that death cannot destroy

You did go first and I remained
One thing you have to do
Walk slowly down that long lone path for I will follow you
Want to know each step you took that I may walk the same
For someday down that lonely road you'll hear me call your name
“Ray, it’s me."

Adaptation from Albert K. Rowswell’s ‘Should You Go First’

Private services and burial were held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) or The Haven of Rest Ministries ( havenofrest.org ). The family would like to thank all the staff at Mulberry Gardens and Amedisys Hospice for the exceptional care and love they gave Mom over the last two years, and a special thank you to Jessica McGrady for her passionate care with our mother!