Ruth L. Fritschi, 88  died Aug.15, 2015, at Richland Manor, Bluffton. Ruth was born April 14, 1927, in Beach City, Ohio, to Swiss immigrants Arnold and Lina (Bloch) Winkelman who preceded her in death. On Nov. 13, 1955, she married Ernest Fritschi who survives.

Ruth graduated from Beaverdam High School in 1946 and then attended Lima Memorial School of Nursing graduating in the class of 1949. She had worked as a registered nurse at Lima Memorial Hospital and later Richland Manor, Bluffton. She participated in local politics, holding local political offices and working at the local voting polls.  Ruth was a member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Bluffton.

Survivors also include a son John Fritschi of Hampton, Va.

Ruth was preceded in death by a daughter Lisa C. Fritschi and a brother Harold C. Winkelman.

Services will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Bluffton. Pastor Jeremy Mann officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Beaverdam following the service.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel United Church of Christ.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.