SISTER RUTH KETTMAN, CSJ

Sr. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Joseph Kettman and Virginia Emma Kettman as well as her brother and sister-in law, Robert and Susan Kettman. She was the oldest of six children.

Sr. Ruth is survived by four sisters, Carol Blom, Ginnie Wirmel, Judy Jackson and Jane Schwallie, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Sister Ruth entered religious life from St. Louis Church in Owensville, Ohio in 1959. She spent her early years with the Congregation at the Provincial Novitiate in New Orleans 1959, professing her final vows in 1967. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Thomas More College, and holds a Master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame. Sister Ruth taught business and religion at McNicholas High School in Cincinnati before serving as assistant principal. In 1976 she became campus minister at the University of Cincinnati; she also taught college-level courses in theology at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Thomas More College and Mt. St. Joseph University. Sr. Ruth served as director of Cincinnati’s Mt. Notre Dame Spirituality Center from 2005 to 2014.

For nearly forty years, Sister Ruth has been deeply involved in social justice issues. She served as the Director of Justice & Peace for the Diocese of Covington, KY. for ten years, where she worked to implement social justice initiatives for the dignity of all people. This ministry has allowed Sister Ruth to work on justice issues locally, regionally, and nationally. She has given personal witness at rallies to end war, bring awareness to the need for immigration reform, and advocate for those experiencing housing crises and homelessness, as well as a host of other issues. She was most passionate about her work to abolish the death penalty in Ohio, “and we’re getting close!” she promised. Sister Ruth resided at Mt. St. Joseph in Wheeling, West Virginia. In addition to having volunteered at the soup kitchen downtown, she read at liturgy, assisted with planning events, worked in the garden, and was actively part of the prayer ministry at Mount St. Joseph.

Family and friends will be received from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Mount St. Joseph, 137 Mount St. Joseph Road, Wheeling, WV. A Vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025 in the Mount St. Joseph Chapel. Both the vigil service & funeral liturgy will be live streamed via a link on Sister Ruth’s obituary page at www.altmeyer funeralhomes.com. Condolences to the family can also be offered on this page.

Following the funeral liturgy, Sister Ruth will be transported to Cincinnati, where services will be held, followed by interment in Guardian Angels Cemetery. These arrangements are currently pending.

Local arrangements by Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1400 Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV.