Ruth B. Conway

Ruth Boston Conway died peacefully in her home on February 13, 2016, at the age of 98. Ruth was born in Springfield, Illinois on February 3, 1918 to Henry Boston and Eva Sophia Brown Boston. After her mother’s death from the Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1920, Ruth was raised by her paternal grandparents. She attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in English. She later attended the University of Illinois where she earned her Master’s of Business Administration. She was the first Executive Director of the Business Management Services for the State of Illinois, Department of Agriculture. She taught Business English at the University of Illinois. Ruth was an active member in an investment club, an Elder of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and a member of Christ Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed monthly fellowship in the Deborah Circle. While studying at the University of Illinois, Ruth met and fell in love with her economics tutor and lifelong beloved, Dr. Lawrence V. Conway. They wed in June of 1949 in Springfield, Illinois, later moving in 1974 making Toledo, Ohio their permanent home. Ruth is survived by her husband of nearly 67 years, Lawrence, and sons Lawrence V. Conway, Jr. (Christine) of West Lafayette, Indiana and Thomas Conway of Toledo as well as three granddaughters, Lauren Ann (Conway) Field, Claire Ann Conway, and Chelsey Ann Conway, and two beautiful grandchildren, Emily and Bobby Field. Her daughter, Catherine Ann Conway, preceded her in death. Dr. Conway would like to give his sincere thanks and appreciation to Ruth’s loving and dedicated caregivers, especially Millie, Heather, and Linda, as well as Carolyn, Victoria, Melissa, and Douglas, and her dear friends and neighbors Mary Porter and Joanne Horen. Ruth loved spending time with her family. She had a beautiful, warm heart which will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by those who spent so much time with her. She loved watching the birds out her breakfast table window, and thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by friends and lovely flowers. Watching her face light up at the simplest of pleasures was a joy. She oftentimes filled the house with song, happily humming and singing one of her favorite tunes – Zippity Do Da - bringing a smile to whomever was lucky enough to be near. A memorial service celebrating Ruth will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 19, 2016 in Christ Presbyterian Church, 4225 Sylvania Ave., Toledo, followed by a light reception. Memorial contributions may be made to the Medical Mission Hall of Fame at the University of Toledo, Christ Presbyterian Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice. The Walker Funeral Home (419-841-2422) is assisting the family.