Ruth Kruse Obituary

Ruth Ann Kruse

Ruth Ann Kruse, 91, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay.

She was born April 7, 1931, in Columbus Grove, to Ben and Marcella (Schmersal) Stechschulte. In 1946, Ruth transferred from Columbus Grove High School to St. Peter and Paul High School as a sophomore. She met the love of her life, Leonard Kruse (a senior at SPPS) on Sept. 24, 1946. They were engaged Dec. 8 (a holy day). She was given flowers every year on this date to remind her of their continued love. They joined together in the sacrament of marriage on June 24, 1950, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church and were proud to be blessed with 72 beautiful years of marriage.

Ruth was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Columbus Grove, and its Altar Rosary Society. Ruth worked at Triplett and Kohl's Bakery, but her favorite job was being a homemaker. Ruth was a board of election volunteer for 40 years. She loved sewing and made all her own clothes. She enjoyed playing cards and the occasional bus trip with her husband. Ruth never had a bad word to say about anyone and there was always a smile for everyone. She had an unending love for her God and cherished and practiced her Catholic faith. Her faith and family always came first.

Ruth is survived by five sons, Gary Kruse, David (Susan) Kruse, Roger (Linda) Kruse, Kenny (Connie) Kruse, and Ben (Liz) Kruse; two daughters, Sandra (Tony) Vorst and Janine (Rex) Johnson; two sisters, Doris Diller and Ginny (John) Kahle; brother, Paul (Betty) Stechschulte; grandchildren, Adam Kruse (Tiffany), Amber (Dave) Farler, Austin (Jenna) Kruse, Amy (Justin) Martin, Andy (Summer) Kruse, Abraham (Robin) Kruse, Ryan (Katie) Kruse, Aaron (Audrey) Kruse, Nathan (Becca) Kruse, Justin (Lelah) Kruse, Christa (Nathan) Wilson, Gabe (Nicole) Kruse, Kasey Kruse, Amanda Schnipke (Ben), Damian (Carrie) Vorst, Heather (Ross) Kleman, Abigail (Casey) Morman, David (Misty) Vorst, Josh (Emily) Johnson, Carly (Derek) Rieman, Carri Johnson, Zach Kruse (Lindsay), Kaylee (Jordan) Rodriguez, Julianna Kruse, and Nick Kruse; and 41 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Ruth was preceded in death by her sister, Linda Stechschulte; granddaughter, Lilly Kruse; and brother-in-law, Nolan Diller.

Ruth's services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Columbus Grove, with Fr. Mark Hoying and Fr. Dave Ritchie presiding. Burial will be at St. Anthony's Cemetery.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, and 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove. A rosary service will take place at the end of visitation Sunday. Additional visitation will be 9:30-11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

The Kruse family wants to express their thanks to the doctors, both heart specialist and family doctor, and Blanchard Valley Hospital and its staff for the loving care shown to Ruth.

Donations can be made in her memory to Heartbeat of Ottawa/Lima and St. Anthony's Catholic School.