Spencerville      Ruth Ilene Kurtz, 88, of Spencerville, passed away peacefully at 8:10 PM Saturday, November 27, 2021 in the Vancrest of Delphos, with her family at her side, following a long battle with Alzheimer's.  Heaven has received another angel.

She was born March 17, 1933 in Spencerville, a daughter of the late William "Bill" and Mary Rose Heil Barnett. On October 27, 1951 she married Larry E. Kurtz, who died February 11, 2014.

Ruth is survived by four daughters, Mary (Garland "Gar") Williams of Rockport,  Jean (Greg Evans) Williams of Lima, Carol Brincefield of Spencerville and Ellen (Brian) Franklin of Lima;  11 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren;  her siblings, Donna Grant of Spencerville and Linda (Sam) Limbert of Port Jefferson.

Preceding her in death are her sisters, Ireta (Lowell) Short and Lila (David) Place, brother William "Bill" Barnett and sons -in-law, Mike Brincefield, Randy Cross and Craig Raabe.

Ruth was a 1951 graduate of Spencerville High School, where she was a member of the Silent 12 Club. She was an Avon representative for 30 years  and had been custodian at the Spencerville Library and Mayor's office. She enjoyed gardening, baking and sewing.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Friday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville, with Pastor Jim Fletcher officiating. Burial will follow in the Spencerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 until 6 PM Thursday and after 10 AM Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vancrest-Sara Jane Activities Fund or to Alzheimers Assn. in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com