Ruth Arden

Ruth Arden, of Toledo passed away Thursday, December 3, 2009 at Flower Hospital in Sylvania. She was a graduate of Waite High School, the University of Toledo, and Baldwin Wallace College. Ruth began her career as an instructor with the Toledo Museum of Art Childrens Program and worked as the local Director of Outreach Services for the United Methodist Church. She retired as Executive Director of St. Pauls Community Center, an agency whose mission is to serve the homeless and indigent in Toledo. Under her direction, St. Pauls has grown to a full service certified mental health agency. Ruth served St. Pauls for 34 years. Ruth was a member of Rotary Club of Toledo and was a former member Toledo Artists Club where she was a board member from 2003-2007. She was a charter member of the Coalition for Housing and Homeless in Ohio where she served on the board from 1984-2003. In 1991, Ruth was a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year. A lifelong lover of the arts and jazz music, she was an accomplished painter, sculptor and played piano and accordion. Ruth exhibited compassion, a belief in human dignity, and a zest for life. She enjoyed travelling, especially her annual trips to Mackinaw Island. Preceded in death by her son Kris Kontak, Ruth is survived by daughters Kimberly Arden Chandler John and Karen Kontak; son, K. Reynold Kontak Rene; grandchildren, Tiffany Wiersma, Nathan Kontak, Spencer Hartman, Elizabeth Arden Markham, Kelsey Kontak, Kaitlyn Kontak, and Kaleigh Kontak; and three great-grandchildren. She especially enjoyed the company of her friend Jim Gottron and together they shared a true love for music and each other. Visitation will be Sunday from 4-8:00pm and Monday from 2-8:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd.. Funeral Services will be at 11:00am on Tuesday at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1 Trinity Drive, Toledo, OH 43604. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Ruth Arden Memorial Fund at St. Pauls Community Center, 230 13th St. Toledo, Ohio 43604 Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.