1928-2026
Ruth Lorraine Beard, age 97, of Indian Lake, passed away at her home on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Eleven years to the exact date her husband, Richard, passed, and eight years to that same date that her son, David, passed, as well. Ruth was born in Logan County on Friday, October 5, 1928, the daughter of Hamer and Lydia (Long) Smith.
On May 19, 1950, Ruth married Richard Beard. They shared 64 years of marriage before his passing in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her son, David, as well as her three sisters and two brothers.
Ruth is survived by her daughters: Barbara (Ken) Gloyeske, Diane (Jon) Gillespie, both of Indian Lake, and daughter-in-law, Cathy Beard of Wapakoneta. Eight grandchildren: David, Joshua, and Alison Beard, Kelly (Matthew) York, Brian (Paula) Gloyeske, Marc (Heather) Gloyeske, Derek (Suzanne) Gillespie, and Drew (Kelsey) Gillespie. Fourteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart. She is also survived by her two dear sisters-in-law, Yvonne Smith and Carolyn (Danny) Daniel.
Ruth graduated from Washington Local Schools (which later became Indian Lake Local Schools) in 1946. She had fond memories of spending several summers working at Beatley’s Hotel in Russells Point. She dedicated 20 years of service to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, beginning as a secretary at the Indian Lake State Park office, and later serving as an administrative assistant at the Indian Lake Division II Office. She was proud to serve as an election poll worker for Logan County and also worked as a census taker on two different occasions.
Ruth lived a full, meaningful, and faith-filled life. She was a long-time active member of Lewistown-Trinity United Methodist Church, where she formed many deep and lasting friendships that she cherished. Ruth and Richard volunteered at Bellefontaine Daily Bread and later became coordinators for the Daily Bread of Indian Lake for four years.
She enjoyed her card clubs, both for the challenge and the camaraderie shared with her Bridge partners. She was an exceptional seamstress, cook, and pie baker. Sewing, cooking, and baking pies well into her 90s. Ruth was gentle, yet resilient, proud, yet ever so humble. She treasured her family above and beyond all else, and will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
Pastor Rod Brower will begin funeral services at 12:00 pm, Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Shoffstall Funeral Home, 205 S. Main St., Lakeview, with visitation from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Burial will follow in Huntsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Ruth’s memory to Lewistown-Trinity United Methodist Church, PO Box 90, Russells Point, OH 43348, or Universal Home Health and Hospice Care, 921 Rush Ave, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview, OH. Condolences may be expressed at shoffstallfuneralhome.com.
