Ruth W. Sayre, who had made East Liverpool her home since 1971 when her husband came to this area as manager of Ohio Power, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 9, 2014, at East Liverpool City Hospital. Ruth, who turned 90 in October, was in the presence of her daughter and best friend, Cheryl, at the time of her death.

Ruth was born at home in Lore City, Ohio, on October 3, 1924, a daughter of the late Robert Earl and Carrie Hale Tillett. She was raised and educated in that area, along with her three siblings.

On August 31, 1946, she married Donice “Don” Sayre, and with Don’s position at Ohio Power, they made their home in Cambridge, Mount Vernon, North Canton and Lima before settling in the East Liverpool area, where they enjoyed many years of friendships and community activities prior to his death on May 1, 2009.

“Grandma Ruth”, as she was known to generations of neighborhood kids whom she treated as her very own, was a beloved part of her Windsor Drive neighborhood and will be remembered for her cheerful smile, her listening ear, and her great advice and wisdom.

After joining the First United Methodist Church in East Liverpool in 1972, Ruth became a charter member of the Bell Choir, and had helped with countless church meals through the years. She also enjoyed being a part of the Quilters, and was an honorary member of the Naomi-Susannah Wesley Circle.

Surviving is her daughter, Cheryl Hyer, with whom she resided, along with four grandchildren: Brent Hasseman and his wife, Cynthia; Traci Hasseman; Carrie Hrisafi-Josan and her husband, Catalin; and Christopher Weimer. There are nine great-grandchildren: Kaleigh Johnson, Cody Johnson, Saigeon Weimer, Jessica Weimer, Brent Hasseman, Marissa Hasseman, Alexia Castillo, Cyara Castillo, and Bennett Bradford. There is also a son-in-law, Brian Hasseman, and several nephews and nieces.

Ruth was preceded in death by her daughter, Janice Hasseman, along with her siblings: Charles Argil Tillett, Cuma Leota Erskine, and Helen Anna Moore, and two nephews.

Friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home on Thursday, where the family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m., and also from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday morning.

Pastor Larry Hukill of the church will conduct a service at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Friday. Ruth will be laid to rest beside her husband at Senecaville Cemetery in Guernsey County, OH.

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