Ruth VanWagnen, 100, Former principal of Durling School

Ruth (nee Cutter) VanWagnen, age 100, of Elyria formerly of Lorain died on Friday, November 21, 2003 at Elyria Methodist Village in Elyria, Ohio after a short illness

She was born January 15, 1903, in Wooster, Ohio and resided in Lorain most of her life. She was a graduate of Kent State University.

Mrs. VanWagnen was a member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church (formerly First Methodist Church), Alpha Pi Sorority, Queen City Chapter of Eastern Star #66, and Lakeland Woman's Club.

She had been a teacher in the Lorain Public Schools and served as principal of Durling School in the Clearview District. She had been employed in several Federal Programs early in her working career.

Mrs. VanWagnen is survived by a sister Margaret Mills of Chattanooga, Tennessee, six nephews and one niece.

She was preceded in death by her husband, former Lorain Mayor Harry VanWagnen in 1964, and her parents William and Bertha (nee Scott) Cutter

Family graveside services will be Monday in Elmwood Cemetery with the Rev. Dale Warrick, Pastor of Cornerstone United Methodist Church officiating.

A memorial service will be Sunday, November 30, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Elyria Village, 807 West Avenue, Elyria, with Chaplain Beth McKee officiating.

Contributions may be made to New Life Hospice, 5255 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035-9811. Arrangements entrusted to Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home for Funerals, 1124 5th Street, Lorain.