Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Ruth Zehnder Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
She was born in Baltic on April 21, 1920 to the late Thurman and Nellie (Hoobler) Miller and married Richard "Buss" Zehnder. He died in July of 2003.
Ruth's life revolved around her large family, and her nightly prayers always named each and everyone. She passed away 11 days prior to her 104th birthday, in which a family celebration was planned. Ruth was always known for her selflessness, kindness, and generosity. Through the years, many were drawn to her for her good advice and guidance. Ruth was blessed with a keen mind that enabled her to live independently in her home until her passing.
She was a member of the First United Church of Christ in Sugarcreek. Ruth and her husband owned and operated the Western Auto Store in Sugarcreek for 16 years.
She is survived by her children, Dr. Kory (Kay) Zehnder, Tim (Mary Jo) Zehnder, Barry (Janet) Zehnder of Stone Creek, and Pam (Dr. Stephen) Maurer; 13 grandchildren, Kress (Todd) Putt, Kiera (Dr.Matthew) Hurst, Kesha (Brian) Gibson, and Kershel; Shane (Melissa) Zehnder, Shannon (Jade) Baker; Zane (Kelly) Zehnder, Bree (Greg) Sondag; Shanda (Chad) Pierce, Derek Burger, and step-grandchildren Dr. Christopher (Sarah) Maurer, Justin (Brooke) Maurer, and Michael (Amber) Maurer; 20 great grandchildren; and 4 great great grandchildren. Also included are special friends; Ruth Ann and Bill German.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her two brothers, Paul and Alfred Miller.
Private family services will be held at Smith-Varns Funeral Home in Sugarcreek with burial in Ragersville Cemetery. There will be no public calling hours.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Glenn Youngen
April 13, 2024
I send my heartfelt condolences to all family members. I know most of you. Everyone was truly blessed by having her be the matriarch of such a dynamic family.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
115 Andreas Dr, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
Make a Donation
in Ruth Zehnder's name
People and places connected with Ruth
Recent Obituaries
How to support Ruth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ruth Zehnder's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
