Joan Gerding

OTTAWA – Joan Gerding, 87, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025, at her residence.  She was born April 2, 1938, in Ottawa to the late Amos and Bertha (Romer) Ruhe.  On October 4, 1958, she married Donald Gerding, he survives in Ottawa.

Also surviving are three daughters: Natalie (John) Roberts of Toledo, Julie Gerding of Dandridge, TN., Ann (Chris) Luneke of Dayton; four grandchildren: Jackie, Audrey, Bailey and Mason; siblings Marlene Niese and Steve Ruhe; and two sisters-in-law: Marilyn Ruhe and Lynn Ruhe.

She is preceded in death by three brothers, Bob, Kenneth and Fred Ruhe; and a brother-in-law, Melvin Niese.

Joan had worked at Sylvania, then a homemaker.  She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, where she had served on the parish council.  Joan was a volunteer at the Sts Peter and Paul fall festival, American Cancer Society Putnam County Chapter, and ran Hello Neighbor.  She loved her card groups, especially the Euchre Group.  She always had Saturday nights out with Don.  Joan loved tennis and going to dance club.  She enjoyed season tickets for the OG Titans, where they sat for many years at center court.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, with Fr. Scott Kramer officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa with a scripture service beginning at 7:50 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School
320 N. Locust St., Ottawa OH 45875