Dominican Sister of Peace, Sr. Ruth Schirtzinger (Sr. Margaret Marie) died peacefully at home on June 6, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. Ruth was born on April 16, 1944 in Columbus Ohio and in 1963 entered the Congregation of St. Mary of the Springs, now the Dominican Sisters of Peace.  Ruth spent her life in service to others, first in teaching, then in nursing. She earned degrees from Ohio Dominican College (BS Ed.), Mary Grove College (M Ed.) and Ohio Wesleyan University (BSN).  She enlightened many young lives, in numerous catholic schools in Columbus, Newark, Steubenville and Somerset, Ohio. At the age of 46, Sister Ruth answered her true calling, when she began what she herself would describe as her 'dream job' in the nursing field. Working at Riverside Hospital until the time of her death, Ruth provided comfort and compassionate care to all patients (hers and others) and their families, and served as a tremendous influence on fellow nurses - her personal, caring and thoughtful approach to nursing was recognized by her peers through several hospital-wide awards.  Ruth was an incredibly joyous person, spreading cheer and kindness to all she met. Above all else, she enjoyed spending time with loved ones - especially the treasured times she spent at the family retreat in Cedarville, Michigan. She loved watching the birds and feeding animals, gardening and tending to her plants, and whatever chance she got to sleep in. Ruth loved life - for life's sake and god's gifts - and will be missed dearly by all.  She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Alice (Maloney) Schirtzinger, brother, Philip Schirtzinger and nephew Stephen Marshall.  She is survived by her brother Robert (Kay) Schirtzinger, Rosemary (John) Conroy, Patricia (Bruce) Marshall, Margaret (Jim) Griesen, Marie (Ed) Taris and Edward (Diane) Schirtzinger, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, many cousins, aunts and uncle.   Family may call for a service of Welcoming the Body at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 12, 2017 at The Dominican Motherhouse, 2320 Airport Drive, Columbus Ohio, followed at 4:45 by Vespers, Prayers and a Sharing of Memories of Ruth's life.  Friends are welcome for the wake from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. at the Motherhouse chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, June 13 at 9:00 a.m. at the Motherhouse, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery by Egan-Ryan Funeral Home. Memorial gifts in Sr. Ruth's memory may be sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport, Dr. Columbus, OH 43219 or submitted securely at oppeace.org.

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