Ruth Olive Barnum, age 42, passed away after a short illness, Monday, July 6, 2026. While her death was tragic, Ruth’s life was a triumph. Ruth, whose name means friend, built lasting relationships with so many through her congeniality and compassion. She leaves behind a legacy full of love and leadership.

Ruth’s children were her greatest joys. As a wife and a mother, Ruth was the driving force of her family, and she worked hard to provide a happy, nurturing environment where her children could thrive. Ruth’s beauty echoes in her children’s faces and her magnetic energy radiates through their personalities.

As the firstborn of 4 siblings, Ruth was a leader by birth. She was an unwavering role model and fierce protector for her three younger sisters. Her sisters were her forever friends. Ruth leaves behind an impressive community of friends and colleagues who valued her for her kindness, loyalty, support, and determination. As a friend, Ruth cultivated support networks where individuals felt valued and understood. As a health marketing executive, Ruth engineered success through relationships, creativity, and hard work. Ruth is a graduate of the University of Akron and a forever Zip.

Ruth was born in Blacksburg, Virginia, was raised in Stow, Ohio, and lived in Hudson, Ohio. She is survived by her children, Olive and Grant Barnum; her husband, Matthew Barnum; her parents, Rich and Lea Einsporn; her sisters, Ellen Kusterer, Grace Saylor, and Elizabeth Einsporn; and her nieces and nephews, Teddy and Max Kusterer, Zelda Saylor, and Brooke, Carter, Quinn, and Jack Barnum.

Calling hours will be held at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow, OH 44224, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ruth Barnum Memorial Fund. Her family and friends set up this fund for anyone who would like to contribute to honoring Ruth’s memory and will be donated to the noble causes that Ruth championed everyday.