Ruth (Bartelt) Hess was peacefully taken home to heaven on Monday, January 16, 2023, after a lengthy illness of liver and kidney failure.   

Ruth was born on September 20, 1952, to Henry and Esther Bartelt and was baptized by her grandfather, Rev. Arthur B. Tacke, making her a child of God. She confirmed her faith on April 3, 1966, at Grace Lutheran Church, Oshkosh, WI where she remained a lifelong and active faithful member.

She graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy in 1970 and from Columbia Hospital School of Nursing in 1973. She married Randy Hess on September 22, 1973.Their marriage was blessed with Brian (Shari) Hess from Germantown, and Brenda Toll from Oshkosh. Her greatest joy in life was her six grandchildren: Hailey, Jacob, and Eli Hess; and Micaela, Micah, and Marisa Toll.  

Ruth’s nursing career took her from the ER and OB/GYN units at Theda Clark Hospital, Urgent Care and manager at Affinity Clinic and pediatric phone triage nurse at Ascension Medical Clinic. Her voice calmed many anxious parents with her medical assurance and advice. She received many awards for excellence in nursing over the years that she humbly accepted. It was always about the patients and never about herself.  

Ruth enjoyed being the hostess for many family holiday gatherings, volunteering for various needs at Grace Lutheran Church and School, and loved baking treats for her many co-workers over the years.

She is survived by Brian (Shari), Brenda, and grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings, EstherMarie Leonard, James Bartelt, Lois (Gary) Werner, John (Pam) Bartelt; sister-in-law, Robin Hess; and many nieces and nephews and friends who loved her more than words can describe.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Randy; parents, Henry and Esther Bartelt; Randy’s parents, Roland and Elsie Hess; brother-in-law, Raymond Leonard; and sister-in-law, Nancy Bartelt.   

The family thanks the many prayers and offers for help during Ruth’s illness. They especially thank Dr. Moreno, nephrology at Aurora, Oshkosh, and the entire transplant team, the 8th floor transplant unit, and Surgical ICU unit at St. Luke’s in Milwaukee. Their love and medical interventions for her were evident every day. The family especially thanks the pastoral staff at Grace Lutheran Church for their many visits and prayers. God’s Word strengthened her greatly during this difficult health journey.

Ruth’s Christian funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church, 913 Nebraska St. in Oshkosh with Pastor Joshua Jensen officiating. Visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Winnebago Lutheran Academy Forward in Faith Campaign. To honor Ruth, please be sure to become an organ donor on your driver’s license and donate blood whenever possible.

“I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness.” (2 Timothy 4: 7-8)