Ruth Ann (Flory) Masserant

Ruth Ann Masserant

October 9, 1934 - June 17, 2026

Ruth Ann Masserant, age 91, passed away in her home Wednesday, June 17th, 2026.  She was born October 9, 1934 in Toledo, Ohio, to Louis and Bernetta (Iott) Flory. Ruth attended St. John Catholic School in Monroe and graduated from Saint Mary Academy in1952. 

Ruth married Gerald Masserant, the love of her life, on November 7th, 1953 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monroe.  She then embraced her role as wife and mother to her 11 children. Gerald and Ruth were the owners of Masserant’s Feed and Grain in Newport, until Gerald’s retirement, when the next generation took over.   

Ruth was the heart of the home and spent her days caring for all the needs of her family.  She also supported Gerry’s love for the garden. Of all the varieties of vegetables grown, the PRIZED garden crop was always Mom’s Job’s tears; the beads she used to make thousands of rosaries given freely to anyone who wanted one. This was her legacy. 

With her sister, Mary DeLand, she was the custodian of the Traveling Fatima statue.  Together they visited homes in Monroe County weekly for over 25 years, promoting the rosary and devotion to Our Blessed Mother. A highlight of her life was being in a private audience of Pope John Paul II in 1993.  Ruth attended daily mass, and she and Gerald faithfully prayed the rosary everyday for 67 years of marriage.  Catholic schools were a top priority for Gerald and Ruth, making the sacrifice to ensure that all of their children received 12 years of Catholic education.  
 

Ruth is survived by her children Kathleen (Robert) Jones, Kenneth Masserant, Rollin (Brenda) Masserant, Laura (Peter) Burkardt, Mary (Scott) Miller, Cheryl (Kerry) Burkey, Barbara (Thomas) Boggs, Michelle (Gene) Gennoe, Lynn (David) Hintz, and daughter-in-law Catherine Masserant.  She is also survived by a sister, Louise (Raymond) Hempel and sister-in-law, Sharon Flory.  She will be missed by 67 grandchildren, 132 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, with 5 more babies on the way. Baby Ruth Ellison was born Thursday, June 18, the day after Great-Grandma died! Ruth’s large family was her greatest joy!  
 

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, and two sons, David C. Masserant and Edward Blase Masserant, granddaughters Anne-Marie Jones and Mary Jones, great-grandsons  Oswald Burkardt, Francis Burkardt, and Eli Ewals, siblings, Agnes (Louis) Nagel, Angela (Eugene) DeLand, Mary (Stuart) DeLand, Martha Flory, John (Diane) Flory and Raymond Flory.  

Family and friends may visit 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, June 22nd, at Rupp Funeral Home where the rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.  Ruth will lie in state Tuesday, June 23rd, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Newport, followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00 am.  Burial will follow at St. Charles Cemetery. 

Please, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Academy or SMCC. 

Online condolences to the family may be sent through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.