Ruth Bruin

LIMA -- Ruth E. Bruin, age 91, passed away peacefully at 3:29 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Primrose Retirement Community of Lima with her loving family by her side. Ruth lived a wonderful life and has created a beautiful Legacy that will live in the hearts of all of us forever.

Ruth was born December 10, 1933, at home on McDonel Street in Lima, to the late William "Dutch" and Marie (Steinemann) Walsh. On November 24, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, Michael P. Bruin, who preceded her in death on December 29, 2020.

Ruth was a 1951 graduate of St. John's Catholic High School in Lima and a graduate of St. Rita's School of Nursing. She received a BS Degree in Nursing from Bluffton College. Ruth worked as a dedicated nurse for many years at the Sidney Hospital and St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima. Ruth spent much of her career as a School Nurse in the Perry Schools, St. Rose, and St. Gerard Catholic Schools. Following her retirement from nursing, Ruth worked alongside her husband, Michael, in real estate with Yocum Realty. She enjoyed playing bridge, was an avid tennis player, and loved traveling with her 7 sisters. She was especially proud of her family and loved attending her grandchildren's sporting events and spending time with family and friends. Ruth volunteered at St. Rita's Medical Center for many years, attended St. John Catholic Church growing up, and was a longtime member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Survivors include her children, Kevin P. (Cindy ) Bruin of Lima, Michael (Ellen) Bruin, and Maureen (Jim) Tozzi both of North Canton, Sheila (John) Niese of St. Louis, MO, and Kathy (Kevin) Reid of New Richmond; grandchildren Sarah (Ryan) Malcom, Kevin (Monica) Bruin, Brian (Brandon Wise) Bruin, Jenny (Jon) Luli, Michael Bruin, Timothy "Tim" Bruin, Anthony "Tony" Tozzi, Ryan Tozzi, Theresa (Nick) Valentino, David (Jenna) Niese, Daniel (Sean) Niese, Mary Beth (Robbie ) Graninger, Michael Niese, Kaitlyn Reid, Kyle (Allie) Reid, Kevin (Priya) Reid, and Krista Reid; great-grandchildren, Brady and Gracy Malcom, Kevin, Keaton, and Karleigh Bruin, Jackson and June Luli; Lily Tozzi, James, Anthony, Nicholas and Charlotte Valentino, Lilly, Rose and Jack Niese, Grace and Daniel Jr. Niese; Henry Graninger; and Ozzie Reid; sister-in-law, Johanna (Bob) Navarre; sister-in-law, Phyllis Bruin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is also preceded in death by her siblings, Bill Walsh, Jeanann Parent, Father James Walsh, Janet Blust, Sister Sally Walsh, Eileen Finn, Pauline Lamantia, and Rosemary Hinkfuss; and her brothers-in-law, William Bruin and Tom Bruin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at St. John Catholic Church, 777 S. Main Street, Lima, OH 45801. Father Dave Ross will officiate. An entombment will follow in Gethsemani Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel. A Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, following the visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Catholic School, Lima Central Catholic High School, Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District Foundation or the Flag City Honor Flight.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.