Spencerville;         Ruthela Hager, 93, formerly of Spencerville, died at 4:27 pm Nov 4, 2023, at St. Rita's medical center after a short illness.  Her loving family was by her side when she passed into eternity with her savior Jesus.

She was born Oct 13, 1930, in Auglaize County the daughter of Ralph and Iva Wagner who proceeded her in death.  She was married June 4, 1949, to Curtiss Hager who died Jan 22, 2013.

Other survivors include two children, Dianna (Joe) Wenger of Grove City, OH, and Jay (Rhonda) Hager of Spencerville; five grandchildren:  Jennifer Wenger, Matt (Jamele) Wenger, Ben Wenger, Andrea (Tom) Ricchiuto and Steven (Chelsea) Hager; ten great-grandchildren, Joshua, Meghan, Caleb, Marissa, Aiden, Ethan, Olivia and Elliana Wenger.  Stella Hager and Luca Ricchiuto.  One brother, Dow Wagner.

She was preceded in death by three children, Karen, Hal, and Tommy Hager; one sister Lola Rockhold; and three brothers, Ray (Margret) Wagner, Thomas (Fern) Wagner and Harry (Gloria) Wagner.

She graduated from Spencerville H.S. in 1949.  As a cheerleader she cheered for Spencerville's first football teams.  She was an avid sports fan following Buckeye football, girls' basketball and the Cincinnati Reds.  She was a lifelong member of the Bethlehem Christian Union Church near Buckland.  She taught children's Sunday School, vacation Bible school and helped with many church dinners.  She retired from Spencerville Schools as the head cook.  She was known at the school for baking large quantities of cookies with the extra government peanut butter as well as cleaning, cutting up, and cooking whole chickens for casseroles and sandwiches. She was dearly loved by her grandchildren who were the joy of her life.  They were always in her prayers and always enjoyed all the delicious meals she prepared for them.  She was a wonderful role model in every way.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday Nov. 10, 2023 at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville.  Her son-in-law, Pastor Joe Wenger will officiate.  Burial will be in the Spencerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday Nov. 9, 2023 and one hour prior to services Friday at the funeral home. Memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.baylifffuneral.com. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Ruthela and her family.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bethlehem Christian Union Church.