Ruth Ann Wurth and Thomas H. Wurth

KALIDA -- Ruth Ann (Stechschulte) Wurth, 93, passed away on the evening of July 3, 2025.  Her husband, Thomas H. Wurth, 97, passed away 27 hours later, in the early morning of July 5, 2025.  They were both surrounded by their loving family as they transitioned from this life. The couple were married on June 18, 1955, and had just recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Ruth was born on June 26, 1932, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Raymond W. and Alma M. (Neumeyer) Stechschulte.  Tom was born on June 29, 1928, in Union Township, Putman County, to the late Joseph H. and Catherine M. (Schmitz) Wurth.

Ruth and Tom are survived by their six children: Deb (Brad) Vine, Don Wurth, Pat (Dennis) Schnipke, Katherine (Russ) Lindburg, Greg Wurth, and Laurie (Ken) Pressel. They were blessed with nine grandchildren: Bryan Schnipke, Melissa (Mark) Burleson, Matt (Kaitlyn) Schnipke, Emily (Neil) Recker, Megan (Brent) Hovest, Andrew Lindburg, Anna Lindburg, Jacob Pressel, Grace Pressel; three step-grandchildren (Grant Lindburg, Adam Lindburg, and Sara Vine), and 11 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way).  They are also survived by a sister-in-law, Joyce Wurth.

Ruth and Tom were preceded in death by Ruth's brother, Donald (Carol) Stechschulte, and Tom's eleven siblings: four sisters, Marie (Tony) Langhals, Emma (Ed) Hoersten, Mildred (Ben) Ellerbrock and Nora Lou (George) Basinger, and seven brothers: Joseph (Hollis), Carl (Betty), Peter, Louis (Mary Ann), Bob (Martha), Richard (Edna), and Gene Wurth.

Ruth had fond memories of growing up in Toledo with a large extended family that included fun-loving aunts and uncles who enjoyed sharing holidays together and summer weekends at the lake.  Ruth was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Kalida, and was involved in many charity-related events sponsored by the church through the years.

Tom also had happy childhood memories of growing up on the family farm south of Kalida with his parents and many siblings, where material things were few, but love and joy in life's simple pleasures were abundant.  Tom was employed for 35 years at the Ford Motor Lima Engine Plant, retiring in 1995.   He was a life-long farmer.  Tom served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  Tom was also a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida.

Both Ruth and Tom often reflected on how grateful they were to the good Lord for the many blessings that were bestowed upon them during their long lives, including their wonderful parents, loving children and grandchildren, their extended families, and many good friends.  Both would agree, however, that their biggest blessing was their long and loving marriage. They drew great strength – and their entire family drew great strength -- from their absolute and unfailing devotion to one another. The words of the poet EE Cummings come to mind when reflecting on what Ruth and Tom meant to and for one another: "you are my sun, my moon, and all my stars."

Ruth and Tom had hearts of gold. The memories of them and the examples they gave of lives well lived will forever be blessings to all who knew and loved them.

The family is grateful to the staffs at Putnam County Homecare and Hospice and the Meadows Kalida for the many kindnesses they showed to our mother and father during their final months.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Kalida with Fr. Joseph Varghese officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.   Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/