Ruby Lockhart, Ohio’s oldest living person, dies at 112

Ruby Lockhart at the age of 108.

The Gerontology Research Group is saddened to report that Mrs. Ruby Lockhart, the oldest living person in the U.S. state of Ohio, died in Bryan, Williams County, Ohio, USA on 16 October 2024 at the age of 112 years, 152 days.

Ruby Lockhart was born in Elkhart, Indiana, USA on 17 May 1912 as the second child of Andrew Clement Clay (1885–1970) and Ida Louise Baker (1887–1967). She had four brothers and two sisters, including Col. Carmon Lavon Clay (1915–2008), Bernard H. Clay (1919–1990), Harry H. Clay (1920–1934), and Willa Mae Brase (1923–2023). Her family moved to Montpelier when she was around 2 years old.

On 4 November 1931, she married Ferrall Wheeler Lockhart. They had three children: Eugene, James, and Lynne Wallace. Both Ruby and Farrell grew up in Montpelier, where they married and spent their entire lives. Her husband was in the auto business for many years, owning a Chevrolet dealership in Montpelier. Her husband died in August 1982.

She was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Montpelier. In her free time, she was an avid quilter, creating over 30 quilts for her family throughout the years. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, even in her final days. She enjoyed playing bridge, and was part of a card club, when she was younger. In honor of her birthday, the Williams County Commissioners proclaimed 17 May 2018, as Ruby Viola Lockhart Day.

On 17 May 2022, she celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming a supercentenarian.

On 3 March 2023, following the death of 111-year-old Alma Kahl of Portsmouth, she became the oldest living person in the U.S. state of Ohio.