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Ruth "Ruthie" Phillipson Koran, age 90, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, at Bickford of Upper Arlington in Columbus, Ohio. She was born October 4, 1935, in Steubenville, a daughter of the late Harry F. Phillipson and Eva C. (Fonow) Phillipson.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Robert Koran; her longtime companion, Bill Alexander; her sisters, Shirley Huscroft, Sister Jean Phillipson, and Barbara Phillipson; her brother, Robert Phillipson; her brother-in- law, Charles Huscroft; and her daughter, Renee Lucas.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Steve) Sattler, and her son, Phillip (Lois) Koran, both of Westerville, Ohio; three grandchildren, Ian Sattler and Matthew and Emma Koran; her sister-in-law, Mary Frances "Marsha" Phillipson of Bloomingdale, Ohio; beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews; and many dear friends, including her childhood friend, Janet Smith of Hopedale, Ohio.
Ruth graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1953, where she played the saxophone and participated in Student Council. She thoroughly enjoyed her time at Catholic Central, where she made lifelong friends and attended every high school reunion. She later returned to Catholic Central, where she worked in the office.
Music was a highlight of Ruth's life. She enjoyed music and dancing, and in later years, she attended every musical event at Bickford, clapping and grooving to the music. She enjoyed singing until the last weeks of her life.
Ruth worked for WSTV9 and later at WSTV Radio, where she spent 28 years. She made many close friendships during her years at the station and had opportunities to participate in special events, including posing with the Stanley Cup when the Pittsburgh Penguins were interviewed on the radio.
She was an avid letter writer and card sender. She was a member of the Academy of Lifelong Learning at Franciscan University and St. Peter's Catholic Church. She and Bill enjoyed walking, attending many events, and traveling, including trips to Europe, China, and Hawaii.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 425 N. 4th St., Steubenville, Ohio, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 12 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery.