Obituary
Ruth Otto, Titusville FL, finished her journey here on earth as the sun rose January 28, 2025.
Sunrise was Mom’s favorite time of the day. That was her hour to start the day with her daily
three-mile walk.
Ruth is survived by her son Mark and daughter-in-law Kathy who were talking with her and holding her hand in those last hours. She is also survived by her late two husband’s children, Linda, Joanne, Randy and 5 step grandchildren.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 sisters, 1 brother and 2 nephews.
Survivors include 3 nieces and 3 nephews and her treasured sister-in-law Janice.
Ruth’s niece, Karen and her nephew Peter made Ruth’s day with phone calls and emails.
If a donation is considered, please remember St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the ACLU.
Whenever I was in the Orlando area periodically over the years, I would stay a night with Ruth and we would visit. I enjoyed our visits, she was a great conversationalist and would always speak her mind. She was so kind to me as a child, I have such positive memories of her. When she knew we were coming over when we were young, she would buy all of the ingredients for us to make homemade ice cream in the ice cream maker and it was so fun. Later on, she was the one that got me on Facebook, she was on it before I was. When online bill pay was new, she was doing it and I was hesitant and she said she never has any trouble with bills not being paid so I signed up for online bill pay as well. She had a positive impact on my life and will be missed.
I took this picture of Ruth on Dec. 17, 2019. I was just finishing my morning walk with Karma (my dog) and Ruth was walking by. She admired my newest Christmas decoration, so I suggested taking a photo of her with it. Of course she had her ever present golf club with her!
Ruth will definitely be missed by those who knew her, and especially all of us who were blessed by her presence and shared wisdom on her morning walks.
A photograph of Ruth on her morning walk on Playalinda beach. What perfect way to start the day!
Love you -Joanne & Gerry Proteau
A favorite picture of Joanne and Ruth taken before she left Winnipeg for Florida. Ruth was a vibrant soul, known for her exceptional conversational skills and boundless energy. She was well-informed about the issues of the day and always had something insightful to share. Ruth found immense joy in playing golf at the St. Charles Country Club in Winnipeg, MB. Her passion for the game was evident, and she cherished the many rounds she played with friends and family. As we remember Ruth, we hold on to the wonderful memories of her lively spirit and the wisdom she shared with us. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her -Joanne & Gerry Proteau.
Mom was an energetic independent woman who knew how to weather a storm. As a single mom who raised me back in the '50's and '60's, she navigated a world that didn't offer equal opportunity to women in the work-world. She was fiercely loyal to friends, but did not suffer fools easily - she could be a storm to be reckoned with! She found happiness and love again after my father later in life with her beloved husband Fred Otto.
And she was brave. Upon receiving a tough medical diagnosis last October, without missing a beat, she said she didn't want any unnecessary interventions or treatments. - not wishing to go out dependent on machines, radiation or toxic chemo treatments. She told friends who'd console her that she'd lived a long, good life, and had her time in the sun. A life well lived with a good attitude carried to the end.
To those who knew her, she was a giving soul with a kind heart. She often lent a hand - driving friends to doctor appointments, take elderly friends out to eat at favorite restaurants (and always quick to grab the bill), and she volunteered at the local theater. She made friends easily - as witnessed by many people she met over the years on her morning walks. She was gracious in remembering birthdays and anniversaries, and extending compliments.
Mom was sharp as a tack right to the end as we reminisced and went through old photographs - remembering dates, names, places, and events. She was engaged in the world taking keen interest in current events and politics here and abroad, and never missed voting in an election. Like all of us she had regrets, but didn't dwell on them - her major disappointment was that she didn't live to see a woman president.
She had a sense of humor and quick wit - a couple nights before she passed she told me "I wish I could catch that rascal who would let me sleep and not wake up." [We often talked of the sand man on nights she had trouble to sleeping.] She was ready, as she said well past ready to be done with the struggle and overwhelming tiredness.
Mom finished her journey here on earth, but will be missed and remembered by those us us who remain and knew her. Rest in peace Mom.
She will be missed!
Vicki K
Rest in peace sweet lady
Ruth was a home gardener who loved plants surrounding her. She was a kind and generous woman with a bit of a feisty nature. She enjoyed engaging people in conversations about themselves, family, current events, politics, wherever the heart would lead them. Although her love of birds was infinite, she was a people-person. Life was enriched for those who knew and loved her.
beach walks - a favorite of Mom's
front yard photos