Ruth Kruse

OTTAWA -- Ruth Ann Kruse, age 91, passed away at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay, Ohio, on October 12, 2022. She was born on April 7, 1931, in Columbus Grove, Ohio, 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. On September 24, 1946, she met the love of her life, Leonard Kruse (a senior at SPPS). They were engaged on December 8th (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 had 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; and one brother Paul (Betty) Stechschulte. Ruth is also survived by 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, Nick Kruse, and 41 great-grandchildren and one additional on the way.

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

Friends may call at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove, on Saturday from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm and on Sunday from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A rosary service will take place at the end of visitation on Sunday. Friends may also call at the funeral home on Monday from 9:30 am until time of service. Services will be held on Monday, October 17, 2022, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Columbus Grove, 11:00 am with Fr. Mark Hoying and Fr. Dave Ritchie presiding. Burial will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery.

The Kruse family wants to express their thanks to the doctors, both heart specialist and family doctor, and the 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.