07/01/2025
Ruth Ann Little (“Ruthie”), beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, peacefully passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 82, in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by her family.
Ruthie was born on December 15, 1942, to her parents Woody and Carrie Bapst of Pike County and raised with her sisters Helen and Cathy in Beaver, Ohio.
Shortly after her high school graduation, Ruthie married her high school sweetheart, Marion “Buddy” Little, Sr., who she first met in the sixth grade. They moved to Columbus where they started a family and raised three boys, Marion, Jr. (Stephanie), Michael (Tammy), and Marty, on the East side of Columbus. She and Buddy would later move to Groveport.
The two constants in her life were her devotion and dedication to Buddy and God. Ruthie and Buddy were nearly inseparable, and one was rarely found without the other as they were lifetime companions in every facet of life. Ruth & Buddy worked in the grocery business for years. Buying their own store in 1994, Little's Village I.G.A. in Columbus, they operated a true "mom and pop" supermarket that served the community for over thirty years until it was sold in 2024.
Ruthie and Buddy remained steadfast in love over 43 years of marriage until Buddy's untimely and devastating death in 2004. Ruthie never stopped loving Buddy and missed him dearly. Throughout her entire life, Ruthie held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her. She was a long-time member of Groveport Church of Christ and Union for over 40 years. Many of her last thoughts were of prayer and the hope for the salvation of others.
Ruthie also cherished her family, often hosting Sunday dinners featuring her famous fried chicken. She was a loving grandmother to Ryan, Taylor, Drew, Alex, Sydney, and Max, as well as three great grandchildren: Hunter, Polly, and Oliver.
Following Buddy’s passing, Ruthie was sustained for over two decades by her loving and unfailingly daughter-in-law Stephanie who cared for her and vigilantly remained at her side. Ruthie ultimately moved from her home to StoryPoint Senior Living where she benefited greatly from the care of many, especially Elaine McKnight and Tiffany Wilbanks from Wesley Hospice.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, sister Helen Bapst, brother-in laws John Lillich, Larry Bell, and Tracy Little and sister-in-law Lola Bell. Ruth is survived by her sister Cathy (Jeff) Schmitt.
A visitation for Ruth will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schoedinger Northeast, 1051 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230. A Visitation will occur Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 1051 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230. A Funeral Service will occur Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1051 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230. Services will conclude with a graveside service at Sunset Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association.
