Ruth Ellen Zander, of Huntsville, passed away peacefully at Huntsville Hospital at the age of 80 surrounded by family.
Ruth was born on April 22, 1942, to Carl and Eleanor West in Pittsburgh, PA, and was the oldest of five children. She grew up in Newark, Ohio and married twice. She had 5 children, the Gienger twins who passed away at birth and 3 beautiful daughters. Later, she was blessed with 6 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 5 step great-grandchildren. She was a dedicated Mother and Grandmother. Ruth moved to Alabama with her husband Michael in 1991. In 1996 she became a widow and began growing her Avon business to keep busy and meet people. Affectionately known as the Avon lady for 54 years, she enjoyed delivering to her customers who soon became friends. She enjoyed spending her time on the weekends selling Avon at her booth at the Limestone County Flea market for 12 years before it’s closing in 2020. Ruth’s grandchildren were a source of great joy for her. In 2017 she was blessed again with another grandchild, Ethan, and began helping take care of him 3 days a week. They shared a very special bond and she loved how he adored her. In 2021 her granddaughter and great grandson moved here from Ohio and she loved spending time with them and supporting them in their sport activities.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael; special friend John Cameron; infant Gienger twins; stepdaughter, Cathy Fox; and her father, Carl, and mother, Eleanor.
Survivors include her daughters, Stephenie Gienger, Julia Graves (Ron), and Tifanie Hutto (Josh); sisters, Sharon Hutchins (Sid), Carolyn Wolfe (Terry); brothers, David West and Mike West; grandchildren, KC Foster, Kyiesha Foster, Jenna Dennis (Chad), Jayla Thompson (Nick), Tyra James, Jessaca Graves, Leeann, JJ, Joey, and Ethan Hutto; great-grandchildren, Keishawn Foster, John Towns, Kyla Lewis, Leighton Dennis, Logan Dennis, and James Thompson; and many loved step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and brothers and sisters in love.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations toward funeral expenses.
