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Ruth B. Hess

09/20/1952 - 01/16/2023
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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)

Dr.James Smrecek wrote on January 21, 2023
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Ruth in Urgent Care for may years. I'm very thankful for all she meant to me and our patients. I could not have found anyone else who could have been such a joy to work alongside. I offer my sympathy to all Ruth's family, especially Brian, Brenda and Lois who I got to know personally. May the Lord bless you in this time of loss.

Jon Hagen wrote on January 21, 2023
I began working at Gold Cross Ambulance in 1977. At that time, GCA took over providing EMS services from the Neenah and Menasha Fire Departments. Theda Clark desired to provide paramedic-level care. So while GCA was getting more people trained, RN's from Theda Clark ER would ride along with the hospital-based ambulance. I went on a lot of ambulance calls with Ruth. Although I hadn't seen her in many years, I remember those days fondly. My condolences to her family and friends.

Joan Kruchten wrote on January 20, 2023
My prayers go out to Ruth's family. She was a very wonderful person and nurse. I had the privilege to work with her at Affinity. She always at a smile on her face and always had time to talk with you. She surely will be missed by everyone who knew her. May God give you peace and strength at this time.

Paul Ewerdt wrote on January 19, 2023
I am so grieved to hear of Ruth's passing. I will always remember her as being a gentle and humble person, and ha a joyfully spirit. God gifted her greatly, and she shared her giftedness to help many people. My prayers are with her family and loved ones. May God's Spirit lift you and give you peace in the knowledge that she is with her Savior.

Pat Jahns wrote on January 19, 2023
I graduated from WLA with both Ruth and Randy in 1970. We were all friends, and especially Ruth and I had some fun times. Since I lived out-of-state for almost 45 years, I had not seen either of them in a very long time. I was saddened and shocked when I heard of Randy's passing less than a year ago, and now I'm having the same sad feelings after learning of Ruth's passing. I'm surely very happy for both of them though, and I look forward to a reunion with them in heaven. Meanwhile, I'm praying for comfort for all of the family. Patty Jahns