Ruthanne Rhine

Ruthanne Rhine passed away February 8, 2024 at her home. She was born September 20, 1944 in Warren, OH, the daughter of the late William Lloyd and Blodwen Ruth Bettiker. 

Ruthanne was a 1962 graduate of Mathews High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education cum laude from Kent State University in 1975 and her Master of Science in Education from Youngstown State University in 1981. Throughout her 30 year teaching career, Ruthanne contributed considerably to the growth and development of the Mathews community youth through her quiet and gentle guidance in the elementary classroom, 1976 – 2006.

Ruthanne was predeceased in 2021 by her loving husband, Jack Rhine, to whom she was married for 59 years. Together they enjoyed life’s simple pleasures watching over their family and grandchildren and working outside on their little farm. Ruthanne especially enjoyed maintaining her considerable collection of hostas and perennials and adding landscape accents for fun and whimsey. She was an accomplished quilter, creating gorgeous quilts for Jack, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as smaller wall hangings, pillows, and ornaments that added warmth and charm to her home.

Ruthanne leaves behind her daughter, Melinda (Ron) Sines of New Hampshire; her son Robert (Sheri) Rhine of Fowler; and three granddaughters: Nicole Rhine of Columbus, Jordan Sines of Indiana, and Jaclyn (Justin) Walters of Cortland. She was blessed with many lively visits with her two great-grandsons, Tripp and Gage Walters of Cortland. Ruthanne leaves a brother, Kim Bettiker and a sister-in-law, Sally Bettiker, both of Fowler. She also leaves two brothers-in-law Ted (Carol) Rhine of Minnesota; Roy Rhine of Leavittsburg, and sister-in-law Wanda (Doll) Deverick of Fowler. Many nieces and nephews will miss visiting with “Aunt Sis.”

In addition to her husband, Ruthanne was preceded in death by her grandson Bobby Rhine and step-grandson Eric Paolone; sister Penny Brown and brothers Bill Bettiker and Tom Bettiker. She was also predeceased by sister-in-law Nancy Frederick and brother-in-law Jerry Rhine.

The family is planning a celebration of life in the spring. Those wishing to honor Ruthanne may make memorial contributions to the Fowler Fire Department, mailing address: PO Box 21, Fowler, OH 44418.

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with Love.
 1 Cor 16: 13-14