Obituary of Ruth H Zetzl

Ruth H. (Sitzman) Zetzl was born September 11, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and went home to the Lord on Monday, July 30, 2018. She was the daughter of Henry and Helen (Mappes Cheek) Sitzman. Ruth grew up on the south side of Indianapolis where she was a 1958 graduate of Sacred Heart High School.

On June 30,1962, she married Alfred J. Zetzl at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Their union was blessed with 5 wonderful children.

Ruth had a very kind and giving heart, putting others before herself. While raising her family she became involved in many outreach ministries. She was a Sunday school teacher, tutor, Girl Scout co-leader, and assistant soccer coach. She found peace and oneness with the Lord while being part of the church prayer chain ministry and while serving as a Eucharistic minister. Ruth was also known as Toby during her time as a clown with Smiles Unlimited where she brought joy and laughter to those in nursing homes, prisons, and other social environments. She had a great sense of humor and never met a stranger.

Ruth was creative and enjoyed dabbling in arts and crafts. She used her talent and love of sewing to stitch anything from clothing for her children to alterations to creating bridal gowns and formal wear...her ultimate favorite. Never ceasing to take on a challenge, she even reupholstered furniture.

In her retirement years she enjoyed playing the penny slots at the casinos and spending time with family and friends.

Ruth was the beloved wife of Alfred; loving mother of Mary Helen (Paul) Valentine, Rose Ann (Tim) Shilson, Kathy (Yancy) Stults, Donna Zetzl, and David Zetzl; beloved grandmother of Dominic and Clara Valentine, Christopher, Benjamin, and Patrick Shilson, Yancy, Jr, Nathan, and Alyssa Stults, Bradley and Alex Nelson; great grandmother of Emerson and Grayson Stults and Karmah Nelson. Preceding her in death are her parents; adopted step brothers Harold and Robert Cheek; half-sister Dolores Sitzman Jochim McCartt.

Visitation for Ruth Zetzl will be Friday, August 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Stevens Mortuary, 5520 W. 10th St., Indianapolis. The funeral Mass will be Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m., at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 5301 W. 16th St., Speedway. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Indianapolis.


Those wishing to make donations in Ruth’s memory may direct them to Pink Ribbon Connection, 1139 Shelby St., Indianapolis, IN 46203 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Gifts, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.