Ruth E. Hardin

Ruth E. Hardin of Eaton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026. Born in Russell’s Point, Ohio, in 1931, she grew up in Piqua, Ohio and graduated from Piqua High School and Capitol University.

Her working career included Purchasing Manager at Kettering Research Laboratory, Communications Assistant at Chas. Kettering Foundation, Director of Communications for Wright State School of Medicine, and Director of Marketing for United Way. After retirement, Ruth worked as receptionist and Rapid Refund specialist for Eaton’s H & R Block.

Ruth was an exceptionally talented contralto and loved to sing. As a young performer, she was a paid soloist for Piqua’s Jewish Temple and Grace Methodist Church in Dayton. During her life, she was a member and sang in numerous church choirs and in the Eaton Community Chorus, and in Grace Lutheran Church.

Ruth was a loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughters, Rita A. Cron Geiger and Susan E. Cron Root, grandchildren Kyle Geiger and Jessica Geiger Stutler (Rhett), great granddaughters Winnie and Ellie Stutler, stepson Mark Hardin (Heather) and their children Madeline, Heidi, Sage and Kayli Hardin. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Hardin, parents, Ray and Minnie Allen, stepparents, Ralph and Bessie Garbry and sisters Dorothy Johnson and Mildred Kiser.

Per Ruth's wishes, no services will be held. If you would like to make a donation in her memory, please donate to Grace Lutheran Church, 111 Lutheran Drive, Eaton, Ohio 45320. Gard Funeral Home, Eaton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.