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Ruth Ketler Obituary
Ruth E. Ketler once said she thought it was possible to be an executive who was liked and admired, instead of respected and feared. At Fiduciary Trust, where she was director of research, and in her daily life around the city, she tried to make that come true.
"Ruth made you want to give something back to her," said Robert Dow, her longtime companion, who called her Beautiful Ruth. She generated compliments, but studiously avoided becoming self-important. Her fans included doormen, artists and cabdrivers.
She built a strong following among her investment banking peers, people who not easily impressed.
"In a business that can be dehumanizing at times, she always had a heart," said John R. McMillin, an analyst for Prudential Securities. If there was one bit of shared wisdom around Wall Street, said Heidi Albert of Lehman Brothers, it was: "Nobody didn't like Ruth."
Ms. Ketler might counsel an infuriated friend, visit a sick colleague, remember a small child's birthday. She loved to fish in the surf off Cape Cod, to sink difficult shots on the golf course, and to pick the winner in the Kentucky Derby. And she liked to have a big group over for dinner, which she would cook, and she would listen intently as her guests chatted around the table.
"It wasn't that she was a free spirit," said Jan Meissner, a friend. "She was a very large spirit."
45 Entries
Pat Pasick
August 13, 2019
I heard many wonderful stories from Robert Dow after she died in 9/11 about his Ruth, when I visited him as part of the American Red Cross's effort to support families who lost loved ones. Robert and his stories live on in me, and it's very heartening to hear that Ruth's legacy lives on in many places.
Martha Blake-Adams
August 12, 2019
❣Just found this today. Ruthie as she was known to our branch of the family, was lovely and loved by us even thought we live in NC and rare saw the Ketler family. My father was her dads uncle. She shared a Halloween birthday with my mother. Her dad David was my favorite cousin and my hero after, as a little girl and he was a Marine serving our country he treated me as a grown up and important to him. The last time I saw Ruthie was at Davids funeral in Florida. What a beautiful woman she was! In reading the articles about her that I found online as well as these remembrances, I am comforted by knowing she had Robert Dow in her life and so many admirers...she never met a stranger and never failed to charm those she met. Bless her and her family and Robert.
Martha Bell Blake-Adams
September 12, 2016
with love, respect and honor, you are remembered. Rest in Peace
Pat Pasick
September 11, 2014
Remembering Ruth Ketler, a woman I never met but heard stories from, from Robert, when I visited for the Red Cross. I wish I had known you Ruth....
How you can show support
margaret taylor
August 8, 2014
Even though I have never met you in person.you must have been someone special may you rest in peace Ruth.
Babs Mapes-Green
August 7, 2014
Ruthie mentored me when I was in 9th grade atGCHS when she was a senior. I have never forgotten what she taught me and remember her great leadership skills. Every 9/11 I watch and listen for her name to be read at the memorial . Ruth will always be in my thoughts and prays.
De Codispoti
September 11, 2013
The Angels wrapped their wings around you and took you safely home. May You Rest In Peace Ruth. For GOD ONLY Takes the BEST.
Linda Jordan Andrechyn
September 11, 2013
For the past twelve years I have watched and waited for Ruth's name to be shown and called on t.v. Now I have learned of the building in the Bowery with the plaque with her name on. Having lived in Grove City for a dozen years I knew her parents. My thoughts and prayers for the family of a wonderful woman who will not be forgotten.
David Marzo
September 11, 2012
I remembered Ruth today. I saw a Sharon PA newspaper article that showed a picture of her. Her eyes still stand out to me. I still remember all the times I arrived to work, late, at Dean Witter Reynolda. Ruth always turned around with a quick comment to me, either to make a joke, put me at ease or to put me on alert that Clarence was looking for me. Her wit was great! She is dearly missed and my sympathies go out to her family. She is not forgotten. Eleven years later does not make the pain go away. May our Good Lord bless you with loving memories of Ruth.
September 14, 2011
Joan Picciano
September 14, 2011
To My Friend Ruth and Her Family,
I have been looking for you for the past several years- after I moved to CA in 2000, we lost contact -- I am so sorry that happen. The attached picture was Alice, you and me celebrating at AnnMarie's engagement party -- we were dancing like crazy people and having a great time. This past 9-11 when I saw your name across the bottom of my TV screen I was in shock. I have always prayed for all the angels of 9-11 but now I will make sure I think of you each time I pray. I will think of you whenever I see a beer tasting event and whenever the first snow falls in New York. You truly loved New York City especially at first snow fall. After doing some research I see you became the executive you wanted to be - I am proud to say we are friends and I know you are with Jesus. Heaven is a better place because you are there. I know I was a better person when you were in my life.
Always, JoanMarie
Lesley McCandless
September 11, 2011
As a little girl, I remember meeting Ruth Ketler when I was 8 or 9 years old. She would walk with me when I walked to Central Elementary in Grove City. Today, I have to pay tribute to Ruth as we remember the wonderful person she was to all who knew Ruth!
Bill Young
September 11, 2011
My memories of Ruth --stretching back to the early 1980s at Dean Witter Reynolds -- remain strong and warm. Not only did Ruth give her all, but, in addition, her enthusiasm was contagious and her reaching out to others served as excellent role model to everyone, everywhere.
September 11, 2010
To The Mother of Ruth Ketler,
Did your Ruth work at Dean Witter Reynold in the Research dept for Jeffery Edelman retail analyst in 1982-1985 (approximately)? I'm sorry to write you this way but a Ruth Ketler worked in front of me for those years and I have such wonderful memories of her, Joe Stack, Jerry Sullivan. If this is the same Ruth please email me as I would like to share a few. My sincere condolences for your lost, 9 years later and it still hurts a great deal. David Marzo
July 9, 2010
Dear Ruth,
I have saved a story about in the WSJ for nine years. We share the same first name. I look at this story from time to time, it has been too long since I have re-read the story.
We never knew each other, but I am preparing to move to Zurich and I came across your story as I pack up my UES apartment. I keep the article in a page protector to always think of you. So much has changed since I read your story, I am married with 2 kids. I never knew you, but you are very special to me.
Love,
Ruth
Bruce Ketler
April 6, 2009
Ruth was my cousin. We grew up together in the same neighborhood. Although she was several years younger than me, she always impressed me with her spirit and her intellect. What a tragic loss.
My son, Andrew, and his family live in Manhattan. On our visits to New York City, we plan to see the World Trade Center location and the woman's shelter named in her honor to pay our respects.
DAVID KETLER
November 25, 2007
My condolences to the family, she must have been a wonderful person.
I think that i have some distant ties with the Ketler's of Grove City.My father was Park Leroy Ketler(1912) and his father was Hiram Thomas Ketler (1879) and his father was James Audley Ketler (1857)
George Ballou, P.E.
September 11, 2007
I'll meet you in Heaven, Ruth.
I missed you when I was in Grove City, 1978-1986, but met some of your cousins.
Bill Davenport
December 13, 2006
Hi Ruth,
Every time I think of you I smile. Thanks for the laughs. I really miss you.
P Tabbernor
November 24, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 7, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Lana (Ketler) Wiese
September 11, 2006
My condolences to those who knew and loved her, I heard about her through cousin Bruce, and wished I could have known her. She sounds so much like the family I know and love.
Cathy McEwing
September 6, 2006
There is so very much I'd like to say but I don't want to embarrass Ruth and outward displays of admiration, compliments etc...always did that to her. She was amazingly humble for someone so blessed with so many beautiful qualities. (Well, one compliment is ok.) So, I'll just say hello to my best friend. I love you and miss you! You are in my heart and thoughts always.
Cathy
Oliver Linde
September 6, 2006
Hi Ruth, I never met you but married someone who considered you to be her very best friend, so by default you are a friend of mine as well. And based on all the wonderful things I have heard about you, I would have been very lucky to have been yours if we had had enough time.
Lots of love in absence,
Oliver
Dan D'Allara
June 5, 2005
I came to this site to find out a little more about Ruth.
I attended a press opening for a new facility by the Bowery Mission on E 70th St. in NYC on June 1, 2005
In the entry of this building is a plaque in Ruth's honor and memory.
Antoher wonderful New Yorker taken from us on that horrid day.
As a 9/11 linear family survivor myself, I know Ruth's family and friends are out there somewhere heartbroken and wondering if any one remembers or cares.
Well, we do care and do remember Ruth and the legacy of her day to day life.
I will never forget.
Joel Grow
January 6, 2004
I was a college roommate of Ruth's brother Richard, with whom I've lost touch. I met her only a few times, but vividly remember her cheerful, sunny persona.
My deepest sympathy, though belated, is heartfelt.
Joel Grow
Bob Ketler
October 18, 2003
I suspect that Ruth was the daughter of my cousin, David Ketler, and his wife, Jane. I am, I believe, the last of the grandchildren of Isaac Ketler, the founder of Grove City College. I was born loooong after everyone else. I was somewhat of a rebel in my youth (and still am, I'm afraid ) and was the only grandchild to refuse to attend the school because I preferred to seek my own path in life and march to my own music. I suspect Ruth must have also had a little of that same Ketler spunk in her to have left the pastorally beautiful area of her childhood and to also create a life for herself in New York.
I remember my cousin David marrying and believe that I met a couple of his children when they were a year or two old and I was in high school or college...or perhaps some short years afterwards. I know that he and his wife had a daughter named Ruth, so I am fairly certain that she was the lovely lady who died in the terrible tragedy of the WTC.
If so, I am sorry that we never got to meet as adults. I have lived in the New York area since 1961 and it would have been nice to have at least known of another Ketler in the area. The name is rare and I have never encountered another one with only one "t" in the name.
Ruth sounds as if she were a wonderful person and I hope her spirit lives on in a better place. May God bless her and ALL who die in such terrible, terrifying, and unnecessary ways.
Dick Ketler
October 6, 2003
I don't know if I am in any way related to Ruth Ketler or her family, but being a Ketler myself I extend my condolences to Ruth's Family. I am aware that there were/are Ketlers in the Grove City, Pennsylvania area and that Grove City College even has a Ketler Hall.
Carol Ketler Main
October 7, 2002
A cousin I never got to meet . Clara Ketler was my Great Grand Mother . May we Finally get to meet in Heaven, Ruth. Peace be with you and yours .
Laurie Jo Lesher-Collier
September 13, 2002
I remember Ruth as a little girl swimming in Barmore lake and helping her learn to swim while i lifeguarded...it has been 26 years since i have lived in Grove City but still remember the love and deep respect held among and for her family members....We pray for God's peace and love to touch all in Ruthie's world...much love,
Laurie Jo (Lesher)Collier
Curtis Walker
September 11, 2002
As an old high school friend, we had many a classes together and spent time together with a group of friends. Ruthie always had a great sense of humor. From your comments she never lost that. We had just had our 25th reunion back in Grove City the prior June and said it would have been nice if she could have made it. I was next to the White House that fatefull morning and can only imagine how it was in NY. God Bless Ruth, her family and friends.
Peggy Coulter
September 11, 2002
I went to school with Ruthie and although I hadn't seen her since we graduated I remember her very fondly. She always had a smile for everyone and a helping hand when you needed one. I still live in her home town of Grove City and she is remembered and missed by all who knew her. My prayers are with her family and her everyday. She is with God now, may that ease her family's pain knowing that.
Jeanne Perrine Balaoing
September 11, 2002
As a high school classmate of Ruthie's, I also remember her bright smile and her athletic ability. Although we hadn't been in touch for many years, I wanted to place a tribute here for her and for her family. On the one-year anniversary of 9/11, the Ketler family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Vogel
September 6, 2002
Ruth, it has almost been a year and not a day goes by that I don't think of you. May you enjoy the embrase of God's arms and the safety of His Kingdom. I am proud to have known you!
Mike
August 18, 2002
Ruth, You deserve a hero's welcome. I cry myself to sleep each night for you. You are with God now. We could all be so lucky. Please, rest easy and know that you are missed, so very terribly. All the Love, Us
A Friend
July 17, 2002
There were few things that have ever brought more joy to my life than making Ruth laugh. That laugh of hers, it came from somewhere deep within her - so deep it was almost like she was a little afraid of it, it filled up the room, and it touched your heart.
Angie Campbell
May 2, 2002
Rest in peace and may God keep you always.
Pamela
March 11, 2002
From reading about Ruth, I can only aspire to be as kind and as giving as she seemed to be. She must have been an amazing person, I wish the best for her family, friends and coworkers.
February 11, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN RUTH E KETLER WHO TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES..MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER FAMILY..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS HER FRIENDS..MAY GOD AND THE BIBICAL RUTH MEET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Amanda Moros
January 27, 2002
I worked in front of Ruth for a year. She was a great person, and so helpful to me. She always had a smile on her face, and she was always the first one to ask me if I needed a cough drop when I was sick. Ruth will never be forgotten for her radiant personality and wonderful spirit. You are in my prayers Ruth you will be greatly missed. Amanda
Teresa Jahn
December 27, 2001
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Ruth. May Ruth's large spirit for treating people kindly, her life and love live on in those who love her. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
DENNIS LARRY
November 11, 2001
RUTH WAS LUMINOUS. SHE BRIGHTENED EVERY PERSON SHE MET, AND EVERY ROOM SHE ENTERED. I WILL MISS HER, I DO MISS HER. IN NEW YORK CITY LAST WEEK, HER MEMORY WAS EVERYWHERE.
Leigh Ferst
November 1, 2001
Ruth held a radiance and serenity that will be missed.
John, Janis, Jenny and John Notz
October 12, 2001
Our Family's love for her.
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