Ruth Kemper

Ruth C. Kemper, born on October 26, 1926, peacefully passed away on December 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and cherished memories. A resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ruth was a spirited individual who embraced life to the fullest, most notably by enjoying her travels to Florida, which brought her immense joy.

Ruth was a beloved member of her family, and her passing is felt deeply by her children, Sandra (Jim) McKenna and Maureen (Terry) Monahan. She had an undeniable impact on her grandchildren—Jaelene, Stefanie (Jason), Brian, Maureen (Charlie), Terry (Marlo) Jr., Ryan (Katie), Tim (Shelby), Lauren (Jeff), Rich (Amy), Joel (Rochelle), Jenny (Eric), Mike (Shannon), Bridget (Austin), and Chris (Katie)—who will carry her spirit forward in their lives. Ruth was also a proud great-grandmother to 34 great-grandchildren, bringing joy and love to each one of them.

Ruth's family extended beyond her immediate descendants, as she was a step-mother to five and notably treasured her step-daughter, Nancy (Tom) Gruber. She is remembered fondly by her many nieces and nephews, particularly Linda Kroeger, Greg Schlomer, and Jerry Schlomer, and by her cousin-in-law, Fr. Ralph Westerhoff.

Ruth is survived by her dear siblings and their spouses, along with cherished family members, but is preceded in death by her loving husband Frederick Sturwold and her late husband John "Jack" Kemper. Additionally, she was predeceased by her children Deanne (Dick-living) Hafner and Sharon (Ray-living) Ruberg, her great grandchild Mary, as well as her siblings Charles and Babe (Skip), and her nephew Joe Schlomer and niece Gayle Molleran.

A visitation to celebrate Ruth's life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM at St. Dominic Church (Gathering Space) located at 4551 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, OH 45238. This will be followed by a Mass at St. Dominic Church at 10:00 AM, where family and friends can gather to honor and remember a remarkable woman whose love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Juvenile Diabetes Association.