Ruth Souders Essman

Ruth Mae Souders Essman, age 89, of Wellston, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Jenkins Care Community in Wellston. She was born September 8, 1936 in Wellston, Ohio to the late Chester Orville Souders and Ruth Mae Leach Souders. Ruth graduated from Wellston High School with the class of 1954. Following graduation, Ruth began her career at Hercules Trouser Company in Wellston where she remained for over 40 years until their closing. She then went on to become a home health aide for the Vinton County Health Department, a position of which she was very proud. Above all, Ruth was a very loving and caring mother and grandmother who, even in sacrifice, always put her family first. Years ago, she was named “Mother of the Year’ by the Wellston Mother’s Club. Ruth loved children. She was considered a mom and grandma to everyone, with her home becoming a playground for all. Throughout her life, Ruth was very active in the community. She volunteered for many years at My Brother’s Place and was a lifelong member of Hope Methodist Church in Wellston. From sewing several of the local little majorette groups’ uniforms, to making her daughter’s wedding gown, Ruth was an excellent seamstress. She was an avid walker who, for many years, would walk two rounds through Ridgewood Cemetery daily. Ruth was an enthusiastic fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and enjoyed rooting for them every chance she could. She is survived by her daughters, Pam Ellison (Ed), Bonnie Martin (Bryan), and Tina Nicholson; grandchildren, Rachel Owrey, Rebecca Joy (Cody), Bryan Martin II, Jason Martin (Kristy), Tiffany Henson (Jonathan), Jeremiah Nicholson (Reba), and Eliza Nicholson (Levi); step-grandchildren, Chris Ellison (Jennifer), and Angela Ellison; sister-in-law, Pat Martindill; along with 14 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold “Hebe” and Glenna Souders, Kenneth and Betty Souders, and Dave and Gladys Souders. Calling hours will be Tuesday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. A Celebration of Life service will follow the calling hours at 1 p.m. with Pastor Corben Russell officiating. Burial will be in the Ridgewood Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.