Ruth Wentz, 70, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 12, 2023. Ruth was born in Seefeld, Germany on May 1, 1952, to Herta (Gerdes) and Siegfried Jaschinsky. After World War II, the family immigrated to the United States in June of 1952 and ended up in Midland, Michigan, later moving to Auburn and back to Midland where Ruth graduated from Midland High School in 1970. Following graduation, she attended Central Michigan University. She graduated in 1973 and worked for Midland Public Schools. While in college, Ruth met and married the love of her life, Charles (Chuck) Wentz on May 20, 1972. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022. Ruth was privileged to be a stay-at-home mom for a few years raising 3 sons. Over the years Ruth attended Auburn First Baptist Church and Hope Baptist Church where she was active in Sunday School, AWANA and the youth groups as a leader. She was also active with the Midland County 4H Horse and Craft Clubs.

After returning to the workforce, Ruth was retained by Ned and Dorothy (Honey) Arbury in their staff and household management role from 1984 – 2016. In 2008, Ruth completed her Bachelor's degree in Nursing and obtained her RN certification. At which point she also took a job as a nurse from 2008 – 2015.

Combining her lifelong love of horses, organization and community Ruth served on the board of directors of Michigan Reining Horse Association from 1999-2015. Ruth also managed and ran Michigan's National Reining Horse Association affiliated horse shows. Taking a fledgling organization and driving it to achieve longevity and continued success. Ruth was also able to enjoy participation along with some loved and talented horsed in running the sport of Reining in the association she built.

For the last five years of her life, Ruth has dedicated her available time and energy to writing a book about her Father's path and journey out of War-torn Prussia during World War II, and he and his family's desire and process to become American citizens. Her father preceded her to Glory in 2020. Ruth's energies were also directed towards her loved ones and her family. Grandchildren all took joy in the years that they were privileged to know their Oma.

The last seven years have been a struggle with health issues beyond her control but she faced everyday with Faith, Strength, Grace, and a God given lust for life. She is a person who gave joy and took responsibility with a sense of purpose. She was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed.

Ruth is survived by her mother Herta Lina (Gerdes) Jachinsky of Midland, sisters Sigrid (Reinhardt) Spittka of Midland and Lisa Sanders of Midland, loving and faithful husband Charles Knowler Wentz of Midland, and her loving children and grandchildren, Timothy and Amber Wentz of Midland, Eric and Jessica Wentz with Emily and Elsa of Gainsville, Georgia and Andrew and Danielle Wentz with Siegfried and Case of Beaverton.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, March 17, 2023 at Auburn First Baptist Church with Pastor Ed Lawrence officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Smith-Miner Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and at the church on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will take place at Midland Memorial Gardens at 2:00 pm.

The Family asks that in lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donating to the Midland Fairgrounds Rising Strong Program in her honor.

Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Wentz family; to share a special memory please visit www.smithminer.com.