Ruth Anna Yerardi

Ruth Anna Yerardi passed following a courageous battle against cancer on March 27, 2026, at 6:40 PM. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She was born in McArthur, Ohio to the late Walter and Gladys (Betts) Schroeder on August 31, 1950. She was also preceded in death by her son Adam Yerardi, in-laws, Ross and Norma (Ramey) Yerardi, and oldest sibling Janice Louise Schroeder. Surviving is her husband Michael, and children, Patrick McCarty of Mount Sterling; Jason (Kathleen) Yerardi of Charleston, West Virginia; and Tricia (Nathan) Whittaker of Seattle, Washington. She is also survived by two stepsons Anthony Yerardi, Chillicothe and Andrew Yerardi, Portsmouth, Ohio. She’s also survived by her brother Roy Schroeder of McArthur; sisters, Mary (Stephan) Seal of Etna, Georgia Schroeder of McArthur, and Patty Schroeder-McDaniel of McArthur; granddaughters, Katelynn Yerardi, Rachel Whittaker, and Elise Whittaker; late brother-in-law Frank (Nancy) Yerardi; brother-in-law Sam (Cheryl) Yerardi; and sisters-in-law, Theresa (Jerry) Heitzenrater, Mary Yerardi-McArthur, and Becky (Bill) Dunham. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

Ruth had a full and happy life. She was the Salutatorian for the graduating Class of 1968 at Vinton County High School. She attended the Ohio State University (OSU) School of Nursing. There she completed her baccalaureate degree in nursing and started her professional nursing career. After a short time at the Chillicothe Correctional Facility Hospital, she accepted a job at the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) in Chillicothe, where she remained for the duration of her nursing career. She held many job positions over her 38-year career. From Staff Nurse to Director for Patient Care Services/Nurse Executive, she saw and did it all. She was an inspiration and role model for others. While working full-time and caring for her family of four children she attended Ohio State University, College of Nursing to complete the Master of Science degree and later obtained a Doctoral of Philosophy in Nursing. A first-generation college graduate, she and her family were proud of her career accomplishments and educational credentials: Ruth A. Yerardi, Ph.D., MS, BSN, RN. Ruth recognized the importance of recognizing nursing and enjoyed creating a themed dinner celebration during National Nurses Week each year. While Ruth loved her career in Nursing, she enjoyed her retirement immensely.

In 1979, Ruth followed her husband into the Ohio Army National Guard where she served as a staff nurse as a First Lieutenant. She served in multiple roles over her 32-year career in the National Guard. She attended and graduated from the US Army Command and General Staff College. She advanced to the rank of Colonel with her last assignment being the State Nurse for Ohio Army National Guard.

Throughout her career and during retirement, Ruth served as a judge for regional and state science fairs. In 2025, she capped off her science fair judging as the Grand Award Judge at the International Science and Engineering Fair held in Columbus, Ohio; she judged both the first and second place winners in the assigned category. She also regularly volunteered for numerous organizations, her favorite being St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Ruth loved attending her precious church at Walnut Grove. She loved teaching Sunday School every Sunday. She has been a Sunday School teacher for many years, teaching all ages from the youngest to adults. Her knowledge and sharing of the lessons were loved and treasured by all. She also was the pianist and a Trustee at Walnut Grove Church. She created great joy for attendees at Walnut Grove Church by providing ideal gifts to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries.

She treasured creating memories with her family with summer vacations at the beach, annual family Christmas, birthday parties, and holiday gatherings. Each year it was a delightful surprise to see which beach she chose for vacation. The beach was a place she loved and enjoyed going nearly every year with her family. Words cannot express how much she is loved and will be missed by her family.

The family will receive family and friends from 2PM-4PM at Haller Funeral Home (https://www.hallerfuneralhome.com/) on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. A Celebration of Life Memorial service will follow at 4PM with Pastors Mike White and Danny Keller officiating. Interment will be at Dayton VA Cemetery in the future at a to-be-determined date. In keeping with Ruth’s request, please no flowers or memorial gifts; instead, please donate to Walnut Grove Church in her memory.

Walnut Grove Church

c/o Kay Turner, Treasurer

53413 Eagle Mills Rd.

Londonderry, OH 45647