Ruth (Brunner) Slay age 80, of Canton, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Aultman Compassionate Care Center.

She was born in Columbus, Mississippi on October 12, 1940 to the late Sythera (Kidd) Brunner and Delbert Brunner, Sr.  Ruth was the fourth of twelve children born from this union, affectionately called Punkin.  Ruth's life's mission was service to the Lord, caring for family and friends and service to others.  She was a loyal member of the Southeast Church of Christ and a dedicated employee of the Timken Company for 32 years before her retirement.  Following her retirement she spent many years volunteering for Canton City Schools as well as other organizations in Stark County.

In addition to her beloved parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James "J.W." Slay; brothers, James (Eula Mae) Brunner, Johnny Johnson; sisters, Linda J. Brunner and Katherine Brunner.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Yvonne Maria (Victor) Parks and James William (Ama) Slay, Jr.; (five) grandchildren and (two) great grandchildren.  She is also survived by (four) sisters: Effie Mae Brunner-James of West Palm Beach, Florida, Sarah Pride of Chicago, Illinois, Lily Esther Brunner and Helen Ann Brunner both of Canton, Ohio; (four) brothers: Augustine Brunner of Florida, Delbert "Dat" Brunner Jr., Paul Brunner and Aaron Brunner all of Canton, Ohio; sister-friends,  Annette Simmons and Linda Newson; special cousins, Ann Betts Hakim, Willadean Kidd and Oscar Kidd as well as a host of nieces, nephews, loving cousins and many close friends.  Ruth touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.