Sister Mary Ruth Riehle

Ruth Margaret Riehle was born on April 19, 1930, in Milford, Ohio, to Emma and Leo Riehle. She was the third of five children, growing up during the challenging years of the Great Depression. Although times were difficult, her family found stability with the support of relatives and eventually moved to her uncle’s farm in Loveland, Ohio. Her father later purchased his own farm. He was also a master carpenter, later building the convent for the Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Columban Parish, where Ruth had attended school. Ruth cherished her childhood on the farm, spending countless hours exploring the woods and creeks. Reflecting her adventurous spirit, she fondly described herself as a “tomboy.”

Inspired by her SND teachers and her older sister, Sister Mary Adrienne, who had previously entered the Sisters of Notre Dame, Ruth felt a deep calling to dedicate her life to God. She attended Notre Dame Academy, where her faith continued to grow. During her senior year, she became an Aspirant and soon afterward entered the Sisters of Notre Dame. Ruth faithfully pursued her vocation and professed her first vows on August 10, 1950.

After a year of classroom teaching, Sister Mary Rose Emma, as she was then known, felt called to serve in a new way and began her studies at St. Francis School of Practical Nursing, where she earned her LPN certification. In 1967, she began her nursing ministry at St. Charles Care Center and later served at St. Claire Regional Medical Center (now UK St. Claire) in Morehead, Kentucky. While working, she continued her education at the University of Kentucky, where she earned her RN degree in 1981. Sister was also a proud member of the American Red Cross, reflecting her commitment to caring for others.

From St. Claire she ministered as head nurse at the Provincial House Infirmary, Lourdes Hall. After more years of nursing in various local settings, she eventually retired from active nursing ministry.

Sister changed her name from Rose Emma back to her baptismal name, Ruth, to deepen her baptismal commitment. In her retirement, Sister Mary Ruth remained active and generous with her time. A skilled gardener, she helped care for the grounds at St. Joseph Heights, keeping her assigned flower beds in tiptop condition. She also assisted at St. Augustine School in Augusta, Kentucky. As she grew older, she embraced a quieter life in the apostolate of prayer.

At Lourdes Hall, Sister Mary Ruth enjoyed the companionship of her fellow sisters, including her biological sister, Sister Mary Helen Joseph Riehle. Together, they shared moments of joy, community, and spiritual renewal.

After over 75 years of religious life and service to God, Sister Mary Ruth passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Sister Mary Adrienne, SND and brothers Elmer and Leo. She leaves behind her beloved younger sister, Sister Mary Helen Joseph, SND.

Sister Mary Ruth loved her nursing ministry. She shared, “You can help people when they are down. You help them not only physically, but also spiritually and emotionally.” She firmly believed that God brings good out of every hardship. Reflecting on her own life, she recognized that her family’s loss during the Great Depression led them to her uncle’s farm, an experience that brought her to the Sisters of Notre Dame. Her life stands as a testament to faith, service, and trust in God’s provident care.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at St. Agnes Church, Ft. Wright, Kentucky. The Rite of Remembrance Service will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment in the convent cemetery will follow the Mass.

Memorials are suggested to The Sisters of Notre Dame, Covington, Kentucky.