February 22, 1939 – July 10, 2024
Ruth J. Riemenschneider, 85, passed away on July 10, 2024, and is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior. She was born in Akron, Ohio, and lived there for many years before moving to the Boston Area.
She was a graduate of Akron General School of Nursing and Nyack College with an Associate Degree, preparing for possible missionary service. But when she developed an autoimmune disease that could not be easily treated on the mission field, she turned her attention to working in her local church. She sang in the church choir, was church organist, taught Sunday school, and helped develop a Pioneer Girls group in her local church. One of her dreams was to organize a Bible Study for women that were suffering from a variety of illnesses that caused pain and debilitating symptoms in various stages. She scheduled her focus on learning to live with limitations and still find a way to serve God.
She retired from her position at a local hospital to take care of her mother, who had suffered several strokes, and she would work occasional shifts at a nearby hospital. She cared for her mom for 12 years with the help of a part-time nurse aide. Ruth was able to keep her mother until the last few days of her life.
After her mother passed away, she decided to come to the Boston area to be near her sister Betty in Reading. She got busy helping at the Baptist Church, where she was active in Bible Study. She played the piano at Wingate and the Daniels Nursing Home. She played the piano for the Senior Adult Ministry Meetings and visited the homes of shut-in seniors.
Ruth spent the last five years in Care-One Nursing Home, where she passed away on July 10, 2024. She was preceded in death by her father, Earl, and mother, Thelma. She is survived by her sister, Betty MacLean of Reading, and brother, David Riemenschneider (Marina) of Bloomingdale, Ill., seven nieces and nephews, and 13 grand nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the First Baptist Church 45 Woburn St., Reading at 11am. Burial will follow at Forest Glen Cemetery in Reading. A visitation will be held at the church prior to the service from 10-11am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Ruth’s memory to the Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) at the First Baptist Church, 45 Woburn St., Reading, MA or Care-One Wilmington, 750 Woburn St. Wilmington MA.
