Ruth Loretta Baudendistel

Ruth Loretta Baudendistel, 97, of Belleair Bluffs, FL, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025 at her home. She was born on January 3, 1928 in Dayton, KY to Richard & Thelma (Hughes) Streine. On September 4, 1954, she married Lorin Baudendistel. Her marriage to Lorin brought her to Bethel, Ohio where they blended her 4 children with his 2 children from previous marriages. They later had 2 more children. In 1966, they moved to Florida. She was a Methodist. When her children were young, she ran 4-H club, girl scouts, Vacation Bible School, and PTA events. Ruth worked for A&P in Belleair Bluffs for 9 years and Publix in Largo for 10 years. After retirement, she continued to work in her daughter's store, Surf & Turf Meat Market in Palm Harbor. Ruth enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening. She was an avid reader and loved solving puzzles. She never met a stranger, she often invited customers to family gatherings and holidays so they wouldn't be alone.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Lorin, daughter, Carol, brothers Carl & Donald, and sister, Jeannette.

She is survived by seven of her children, Diane Hughes, Lamont (Theresa) Baudendistel, David (Alice) Young, Debbie (Bill) Daugherty, Beverly Harr, Steve (Debbie) Young, and Bruce (Holly) Baudendistel, 14 grandchildren, and 30+ great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at Veterans Funeral Care, 830 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL 33765, on Friday, August 1, 2025, a short gathering at 11am, and service begins at 11:30am. Reception to follow.