Ruth Eckstein, 100, of Portsmouth, died peacefully, Friday December 12, 2025 at Hillview Retirement Center. She was born December 4, 1925 in Phoenix , Arizona, to the late John and Grace (Lang) Kelso.
Ruth graduated from the St. Mary of the Springs College in Columbus. She taught at Portsmouth City Schools and retired after 33 years of teaching. She was a lifelong member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Some of Ruth’s memberships and affiliations include; Holy Redeemer Ladies Guild, Catholic Ladies of Columbia, a board member of St. Joseph’s Monastery Woman’s Club, Retired Teachers Association, three Senior Bowling Leagues, volunteered at SOMC for many years, and had been an active member at SOMC Life Center, even up until her later years.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Charles F. Eckstein, who died on February 11, 2016, and her son, John Eckstein.
Ruth is survived by two sons, David Eckstein (Mary Lou) of Rancho Mirage, CA and Michael Eckstein of Orlando, FL, a granddaughter, Tiffany Whisman (Eric) of West Portsmouth, a grandson, Christopher Eckstein of Portsmouth, two great-grandchildren, Tanner Eckstein Cantrell and Taryn Bussler (Holton Carpenter), and a great-great-granddaughter, Adalynn Grace Carpenter. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and two sisters-in-law, Cecelia Gallagher and Shirley Eckstein.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Thursday December 18, 2025 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church with Father Stephen Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. A visitation for friends and family will be on Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. Following visitation, a Recitation of the Rosary will take place at the funeral home at 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Ruth to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church or SOM
