Ruth M. Untener

Our loving and beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Ruth Untener passed away peacefully in her home on Nov 30, 2024.

Born in Hamilton, Ohio, on April 8, 1933, one of four children of Joseph and Anna Becker who raised her to be the uniquely gifted, kind and genuine woman she was.

She married her sweetheart Ralph Untener, on October 9, 1954.  They spent a blessed life together, raising a strong and close family of 10 children. Ruth devoted her life to bringing joy to others; whether it’d be to visit nursing homes, counsel a young pregnant teen, drive someone to a doctor’s appointment, or feed the homeless. Her sense of humor, her kindness, her generosity, and her empathy were cherished by all who knew her.

Longtime member of Saint Joseph Parish, her faith was strong and central to her life.

Her family was her greatest joy. Ruth and Ralph loved to play games, take trips with their Gatlinburg Group, cook together, and laugh often. She was proud of her children and grandchildren. She made a point to spend a full day with every grandchild to celebrate his/her birthday. Each grandchild had a unique and special relationship with her. While strong-minded and tough, she modeled how true strength emanates from gentle kindness and generosity.

Ruth spent many hours volunteering in the community.  She volunteered at the pregnancy center in Hamilton for many years.  Later she was introduced to Matthew 25 and enjoyed many Saturday family volunteer days doing a wide variety of tasks.  More than once, she participated in their fundraiser 5K and was once awarded a medal for fastest in her age division (she was 82).  Most recently, she was a weekly volunteer at the local food pantry.  Wherever she volunteered, she welcomed new friends, touched lives and made a difference.

After sharing her diagnosis, mom was blessed with many phone calls, cards and an outpouring of offers to help from neighbors and friends.  The family truly appreciates all those who touched her life in so many ways over the last several months.

Ruth is survived by her sisters; Carol (late- Lee Badgley , and her brother Donald (late- Gini Becker).  She was preceded in death by her sister, Sister Paula Marie Becker of Sisters of Notre Dame.

Ruth is survived by her 10 children:  Kathleen (Jim Acra), Jane Ramsey, Carolyn (Ron Knollman), Joe (Chris Untener), Anita (Brian Parsons), Julie (Kevin Morrison), Frances (Joey Giovacchini), Diane (Mike Reed), John (Tracy Untener), David (Deby Untener), 24 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at St. Joseph’s Church (171 Washington Street – Hamilton, Ohio) on Thursday Dec 5th from 3:30pm to 5:00pm followed by a funeral mass.   To honor Ruth’s memory, we are holding a celebration of her life at 6pm at St Joseph’s School.   The family would love for anyone who knew Ruth to attend and remember her wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Our Time fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

We will be loving you always.