Ruth M. Baum, 95, of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at The Laurels of Defiance.
  
She was born on July 20, 1920 to Harry and O'Tillie (Walter) Leonhart in Flatrock Township in Henry County, Ohio. She was a 1938 graduate of  Florida Ohio High School.  Ruth was a member of St. John Lutheran Church  in Defiance, and was a UAW Retiree Associate. In May, 1941 she married John Jacob Baum, who preceded her in death on February 10, 1978.  She worked for many years as a teller at The State Bank, retiring in 1973. After retirement, Ruth worked at Sears Roebuck Company, Wichman Florist, Kircher's Flowers, Patten's Florist, and Brown's Bakery Thrift Store. She was a volunteer at the Defiance Hospital Auxiliary, and volunteered for the Red Cross for over 25 years. Ruth absolutely loved her gummy bears and peanuts.
  
Ruth will be sadly missed by her good friends, Orville and Jane Clark of Defiance, and Dan and Sue Smith of Holgate, Ohio, and many cousins and friends. 
  
She was preceded in death by her parents, O'Tillie and Harry Leonhart, and her husband of  37 years, John Jacob Baum.
  
A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the Ayersville Cemetery in Defiance, with Rev. Donald L. Luhring officiating.
   
Memorials are suggested to The Red Cross, or St. John Lutheran Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.