Ruth Peace

Clara Ruth McKenzie Peace, 91, of Miamisburg, passed away peacefully at home on May 29, 2025.

Ruth was born in Mount Orab, Ohio, in 1934, the second of five daughters of Ray and Lillie McKenzie. She completed 12 years of perfect attendance on her way to graduating from Mount Orab High School.

After high school, Ruth moved to Cincinnati and was introduced to Namon Peace, her future husband, by her sister, Elsie. In 1968, she found her professional home at Grandview Hospital, where she proudly worked for more than 40 years. Starting as an admitting clerk, she rose to the position of executive administrative assistant and worked with the hospital's top management.

Ruth was an active member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals for 35 years. She served as the president of the Wings Chapter in Dayton and contributed to countless national and state conferences. Ruth was very proud to achieve the highly regarded Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) designation. Many of her dearest friends were fellow Wings Chapter members.

Ruth loved reading, investing, walking, knitting and sewing, traveling, going to thrift stores, trying new recipes, and spending time with her family and much-loved cats. While working full-time and raising five children, she still made the time to take classes on a wide variety of subjects, as she deeply valued personal and professional growth. She was proud to be a long-time volunteer for Dayton Children's.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Lillie McKenzie; two beloved sisters, Elsie Peace and Thelma Lincoln; and her newborn son, Kenny. She is survived by three daughters: Karen Davis of Miamisburg, Patti Peace of Mason and Shari Peace of Centerville; two sons, Randall Peace and Michael Peace, both of Miamisburg; five grandchildren, Katherine Nelson, Amy Bryant, Alexander Peace, D.O., Douglas Davis and Ethan Peace; two great-grandchildren, Abigail Nelson and Niko Bryant; and two sisters, Evelyn Dyckman and Jeannie Britton.

Ruth's family is grateful to the staffs of Touching Hearts at Home Kettering and Ohio Valley Hospice for their dedicated and professional care. Special thanks to Terri, Judy and Sarah at Touching Hearts and to Caitlin, Hannah, Paige, Tosha, Kendra, and Michael from Ohio Valley Hospice, who loved and cared for Ruth like a family member.

Ruth was a kind, caring, giving person who was loved and respected by everyone lucky enough to cross her path. She will be dearly missed.

A visitation will be held at Routsong Funeral Home Kettering on June 4 from 2-4 p.m., followed by a funeral service beginning at 4 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the animal welfare charity of your choice.