11/30/2025
Ruth Carolyn Lyon, a woman who was known as “Mom” to everyone she encountered, passed away peacefully on November 17th in Richmond, California. Ruth was filled with love, laughter, and strength which she generously shared with everyone she knew. A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, she leaves behind a legacy defined by her loving soul and remarkable will.
Ruth was well known for planning ahead and wanted this quote to be shared in her obituary:
In the end, the best we can hope for is that we’ve left our mark on the people who matter most to us, that we’ve loved them so well, a piece of us will forever remain a part of them. ― Jennifer Ryan
Life's Journey and Loves.
Ruth was born in Marion, Ohio, the daughter of the late Ernest Baynes Allen Sr. and Bonna Estell (Allinder) Allen. She was baptized at Mt. Olive Methodist Church in Marion, OH where she lived for most of her life. On January 9, 1976, she married Paul Lyon and was forevermore his “Ruthie”. They retired together to their beloved lakehouse in Honor, Michigan in 1989.
Ruth spent the final years of her life living in the San Francisco Bay Area to be closer to her son J.R., and family. Over the years she opened her heart to her children’s own friends, becoming known as “Mom” and “Momma Ruth” to many of them. She enjoyed spending time with friends, playing bridge, sharing margaritas, and caring for those that she loved. She remained well connected with family, friends, and all of her ‘kids’ far and near through Social Media.
A Life of Strength and Generosity.
Ruth will be remembered as a true survivor with a strong character and enormous heart. She endured the hardships of losing two children and a grandchild, and bravely battling and surviving two types of cancer. Even throughout these struggles, she remained positive and unfailingly giving to those around her. Even though she downplayed it when her friends told her she was strong, her strength, love, and resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Throughout her life, Ruth was a member of numerous organizations for which she cared deeply, and served on the board of many of them. She was especially proud of her profound and meaningful work with Compassionate Friends, an organization offering friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved families that have experienced the death of a child, grandchild, or sibling.
Ruth wrote the following two poems upon the passing of her grandchild, Jessica.
Organizational Memberships
Member, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church & Choir, Warden & Lay Reader, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Member, St. Luke’s Society
Recipient Citizen of the Year Award 2001 of Benzie Co.,MI Facilitator, Bereavement Support Group Facilitator, Children’s Grief Therapy Editor, Bereavement Support Newsletter Member, Transitions Task Force, Grand Traverse Region Member, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Team Captain, United Way Past member and President, Marion County Medical Auxiliary Marion, Ohio Past member, Women’s Hospital Board Marion General Hospital, Marion, Ohio Past member, Marion Country Club Marion,Ohio
Family
Ruth was preceded in death by Husband - Paul Lyon, Daughter - Terri Huggins, Granddaughter - Jessica McCoy, Daughter - Lori Hoffman, Son-in-Law - Mike Hoffman, Daughter-in-law - Sandra Lyon, Brother - Ernie Allen, Sister - Lois Phelps,
She is survived by her loving family Son - J.R. Parish (Bill Delaney) - San Francisco, CA, Son - David Lyon - Conroe, TX, Son - Jon Lyon (Shelly) - Soddy Daisy, TN, Daughter - Barbara Postell (Mark) - Marion, OH, Daughter - Anne Lyon - Amelia, OH, Sister-in-law - Jean Lyon - Russell, KY, Niece - Carolyn Walters - Marion, OH, Niece - Jeannie Ahern (Jim) - Marion, OH, Grandkids - Brittany, Tiffany, Terri, Nora, Jodi, Broc, Lindsay, Sara, Joshua, Chad, Christopher, Lauren Great Grandkids - Brynnlee, Avery, Andrew, Carson, Hudson, Sophia, Hillary, Leah, Halee, Hannah, Keegan, Bryenna, Great Great Granddaughter - Freya
Many other Cousins, Great Nieces and Nephews. All of her dear friends at Truewood, and every place she's ever lived. Her friends were her family.
Funeral Services and Interment
A memorial service to celebrate Ruth's life will be held in the Bay Area at [TO BE CONFIRMED].
A second ceremony and burial will take place in Ohio at a date in the near future. Ruth will be laid to rest with family at Grand Prairie Cemetery in Marion.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Compassionate Friends - a self-help organization offering friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved families.
Turning Point - Marion, Ohio - which serves domestic violence victims and their families.
Muttville - which provides rescue, foster, adoption, and hospice services for senior dogs aged seven and older.