Ruth Ann Paterson

Ruth Ann Paterson, age 67, of Dayton, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

A Dayton native, Ruth was born on December 1, 1958, to the late William and Betty Paterson. She graduated from Patterson Cooperative High School in 1977 and continued her education at Wright State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Geography. She built her career at Wright State, working over 30 years in accreditations for the medical school. Able to retire in her 50s, Ruth went back to work for the WSU Physicians Group and later the University of Cincinnati, where she continued her work in accreditations.

The youngest of three girls, Ruth grew up in a loving, tight-knit family. She and her sisters enjoyed supervising their father’s woodworking, along with quilting and crafting with their mother. They made countless memories together in the Smokey Mountains, continuing to vacation there long into their adult years.

Ruth and her sisters followed in their mother’s footsteps as members of the Order of the Eastern Star, Dayton Chapter. Ruth also shared her mother’s love of crafting, especially counted cross-stitch. She played the dulcimer and was a longtime member of the dulcimer group in Springfield, Ohio.

In her childhood, Ruth was a member of the Explorer Scouts of Aviation, which fostered in her a lifetime love of flying. She had her pilot’s license at age 15, before she could even drive a car. Ruth and her father enjoyed regular trips to the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, where she would later spend many years of her adulthood volunteering.

Ruth also deeply loved animals, especially dogs. She rescued three basset hounds (Patches, Scarlett, and Ruby), whom she loved and cared for like children. Even when life got busy, she made helping animals a priority and regularly contributed to the ASPCA. She will forever be remembered for her caring nature, generous spirit, and hardworking disposition.

Ruth was preceded in death by her cherished parents, and was the beloved little sister of Kathleen and Jean Paterson, who survive her. She also leaves behind treasured cousins and many dear friends who will deeply miss her.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Routsong Funeral Home in Kettering (2100 E. Stroop Rd.) on Saturday, November 14, at 11:00am to share memories prior to the Memorial Service, which will begin at 12:30pm at the same location. Ruth will be placed to her final rest at Woodland Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation in honor of Ruth to SICSA or your local animal welfare agency.