Ruth Renz

Ruth Freeda Renz, 94, died at 1:17 p.m. July 17, 2008, at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home. She was born August 17, 1913, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, to Leon A. and Julia Miller Whitmore, who preceded her in death. On November 3, 1937, in Ohio, she married Jacob A. Renz, who preceded her in death. Mrs. Renz worked at St. Rita's Medical Center, where she was a therapeutic and teaching dietitian. She retired from Lima Memorial Health System. After retirement, she worked as a dietitian at Lima Convalescent Home and Cridersville Nursing Homes. She was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison and interned at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. She also authored an article, "A Dietitian Learns From Her Children" in Parents Magazine in October of 1946. Mrs. Renz volunteered for the American Heart Association. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, its Alter Guild and Ruth Bible Circle. She served as Sunday school superintendent and teacher. She also was formerly a member of Eastern Star. Her life exemplified love: love for her Savior, Jesus; love of her family, friends and others whose lives she touched; and love of her profession and those she served. Survivors include two daughters, Julia (Richard) Hagen and Catherine (Robert) Haney, both of Lima, Ohio; a son-in-law, Richard Wagner, of Hobe Sound, Florida; a sister, Marguerite Schwoch, of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Jon (Stephanie) Wagner, the Rev. James (Dr. Brenda) Wagner, Gretchen Firchau and Erik (Tasha) Hagen; seven great-grandchildren, Helen Wagner, Elliot Wagner, Elise Wagner, Zoe Firchau, Drew Firchau, Naelee Hagen and William Quinn Wagner, of Ohio; and a nephew, Robert (Beverly) Schwoch. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Christine Wagner; a sister, Helen Whitmore; an infant brother, a brother-in-law, Robert Schwoch; and a grandchild, Michael Haney. Services will begin at 1 p.m. Monday at Zion Lutheran Church. The Rev. Kent Wilson will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, and one hour prior to services Monday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.