Ruth B. (Schrantz) Blum

Ruth Bernadette Blum, age 94 of Cincinnati, Ohio and formerly of Brown County, Ohio passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at the Hospice of Cincinnati Blue Ash Inpatient Care Center. She was born April 22, 1930 in Cincinnati, Ohio the daughter of the late Joseph and Ida (Miller) Schrantz.  On May 20, 1949 she married the love of her life, Jerome Blum, Sr. at the Assumption Church in Mt. Healthy, Ohio.  Together they raised their six children and lived a faithful, adventurous life which included leaving the comforts of the city and pursuing Jerome’s dream of farm-life in Feesburg, Ohio.  With their faith, love, music, ingenuity and sense of humor, they created a beautiful home filled with joy and laughter.  She loved spending time with her children and many grandchildren.  Holidays on the farm were many of her happiest memories. She also enjoyed gardening, reading, birdwatching and traveling.  Ruthie joyfully lived her Catholic faith as a member of Men and Women of the Sacred Heart, Legion of Mary, Society of the Little Flower, teacher for Parish School of Religion, Director of Religious Education at St. George Catholic Church in Georgetown, Ohio and volunteered at the Pregnancy Center.  She also served as Sacristan at St. George and beautifully decorated the altar with gladiolas of every color from her farm in the summer and sang in the choir at St. Michael Catholic Church in Mt. Orab after moving from the farm to Lake Waynoka near Sardinia, Ohio.

Ruthie was Jerry’s partner and encouragement in all his endeavors. Whether building a sailboat or creating a stained-glass window, she was by his side.  Jerry created many beautiful stained-glass pieces, including the St. George stained glass window at the St. George Catholic Church, but because he was colorblind, he depended on her to select the perfect colors.  Ruthie was a lifelong learner and appreciator of beauty.  She worked for a time giving tours at Ulysses S. Grant’s boyhood home and worked at John Ruthven’s Studio both in Georgetown, Ohio.  Ruthie did not know a stranger and was one of the most caring and interested listeners many people will ever meet.  She saw God’s work and the innate dignity in every person.  She generously shared God’s love her entire life and will forever be remembered as a light in this world by those who love her. Besides her parents, Ruthie was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years - Jerome “Jerry” Blum, Sr., three brothers - Joseph (Mary) Schrantz, Pete (Evelyn) Schrantz and Donnie Schrantz and one grandson - Joseph Blum.

Mrs. Blum is survived by six children - Jerry Blum and wife Joyce of Georgetown, Ohio, Michael Blum and wife Nancy of Hamilton, Ohio, Linda Schmitz and husband Greg of Cleves, Ohio, Sharon Hawkins and husband Steve of Morrow, Ohio, Amy Watson and husband Glenn of Mt.Orab, Ohio and Tim Blum and wife Kara of West  Chester, Ohio; one sister-in-law – Nancy Blum of Mt.Healthy, Ohio and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at the St. George Catholic Church, 509 East State Street, Georgetown, Ohio. Fr. Frank Amberger will be the Celebrant. There will be no visitation. Interment will be in the St. Patrick Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ohio. The Cahall Funeral Home in Georgetown, Ohio is serving the family.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the St. George Catholic Church or to EWTN (Global Catholic Television Network), 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, Alabama 35210 or at www.ewtn.com