Ruth Lucile Deutsch (91) passed away peacefully on February 11, 2022 with her daughter, Nancy, at her side.
Ruth was born in Howell, MI on March 18, 1930 to Claire and Irene Schnackenberg and had three siblings, Joan (deceased), Mary Ellen, and Bob. Ruth graduated from Howell High School in 1948 and completed her nursing degree at the Mercy School of Nursing of Detroit in September 1951. Ruth married her high school sweetheart, William Deutsch, Sr., in November 1951 at the Methodist Church in Howell, MI. They had two children, William Jr. (deceased) in 1954 and Nancy in 1958.
Ruth started her career as a registered nurse working in a pediatric clinic. After her children were grown, she rejoined the workforce at Honeywell as a company nurse and traveled for “disaster duty” for the Red Cross. She retired from her last position as an occupational health administrator for CenterPoint Energy, where she taught wellness programs, monitored for OSHA compliance, and supported employees with their physical health. In her spare time Ruth enjoyed creative writing, games of bridge, playing her piano, and honing her skills as a seamstress.
Ruth was actively involved in her community and served as a Stephens minister at Normandale Lutheran Church where she also sang in the choir. She volunteered with the League of Women Voters and American Cancer Society. She became a member of the Newcomer's Club (greeting new neighbors to the community) and was an Open Circle befriender. She was an art adventure guide at the Minneapolis Institute of Art where she enjoyed taking her grandsons’ grade school classes on tours. This was always followed by a special lunch with Grandma Ruthie.
As a knowledgeable family historian, Ruth was a registered Daughter of the American Revolution. She loved to travel with family to visit historical sights on the East Coast, especially going to the beach and eating fresh seafood in Ogunquit, Maine. Ruth was always there for her children, especially through frequent cross-country relocations, ensuring her children had a stable foundation. No matter where they lived, every Christmas her family would travel to Michigan to spend time with relatives.
More than anything, she especially loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandsons and great-granddaughter. Ruth never missed a birthday party, hockey game or school play. Ruth cherished her faith and showed grace, love and kindness while instilling those values in her children.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Nancy Howe (Dale), sister, Mary Ellen Mass (Jim Richards), brother, Robert Schnackenberg (Linda), grandsons, Christopher Reid and Michael Reid (Amy), great-granddaughter Annaliese Reid, daughter-in-law, Nancy Giles, Karen Bodin, Courtney Bolero (Matt), nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.
Please join us for a joyful “Celebration of Life” on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church (6901 Normandale Rd., Edina, MN 55435). The service will be held in the Sanctuary with adequate room for social distancing followed by a time of food and fellowship. Please RSVP to Nancy Howe (612-669-0445) or email hope4u.nh@gmail.com. The event will also be live-streamed. Memorials to the American Cancer Society are welcome.
