Ruth Kettenring Fennel

Ruth was born on October 13, 1933, in Peoria, Illinois, to Russell and Velma Kettenring. In 1942, she moved with her family to Monroe, Louisiana, where she would spend her formative years. She graduated from Neville High School in 1951 and went on to attend the Charity Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans. Ruth graduated in 1955 as a Registered Nurse, beginning a lifelong vocation of service and care for others.

Ruth worked as a Registered Nurse at Charity Hospital in New Orleans for many years, also serving in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 1958 to 1962 as a First Lieutenant and Registered Nurse with the 159th Evacuation Hospital.

It was through friends at Charity Hospital that she met Dr. Peter J. Fennel on a blind date. They married on New Year’s Eve, 1965. She physically stood at Pete's bedside the day they married. They had planned a small family only wedding and a few days before Pete suffered from a herniated disk and was immobile on a gurney. He wore a silk robe and they married in the Executive Board Room at the hospital with Ruth standing alongside. They made papers all over Louisiana and as far away as Florida.

In 1966, Ruth and Peter moved to Las Vegas, which would remain her home for the rest of her life.

She was also a long time member of the Clark County Medical Society supporting different charities and organizations.

She worked as a recovery room nurse and ER nurse at Valley Hospital Medical Center in the 1970’s.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Baptized in 1944 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Monroe, LA. Ruth remained an active and devoted member of the church throughout her life, both in Monroe and at FCC, Las Vegas, NV. Since the 1970's Ruth, held numerous leadership positions and served on various committees until her decline in health didn’t allow her to attend. She was a 3rd generation Disciples of Christ member. In recognition of her decades of faithful service, she was eventually named Elder Emeritus. Her father was also named an Elder Emeritus at the FCC church in Monroe, Louisiana.

In her leisure time, Ruth enjoyed sewing and needlepoint and was a talented needleworker who lovingly made clothing and household decorations for herself members of her family. When her granddaughter Taylor was born she spent endless hours sewing for her.

She and Pete also shared love of dancing and were active members of the Las Vegas square and round dancing community for many years. Together, they owned and operated a store dedicated to square and round dance clothing which became a gathering place for fellow dancers and friends.

Ruth had a deep love for animals, especially dogs. She was an avid dog enthusiast who spent many years with Pete traveling in the motorhome and showing Rottweilers. Her commitment to animal welfare extended into public service as a member of the Clark County Animal Advisory Board. She was also a founding member of the group that brought pet therapy services to University Medical Center in Las Vegas, a legacy that continues to bring comfort and healing to patients.

Last but not least she was a devoted mother and consistent support to her children. She drove every carpool, participated in every school event and even served as an advisor on special committees for the Clark County School District. She even kept her nursing skills sharp, nursing at times to her parents, husband, children and friends through minor injuries to major illnesses. Her unwavering love will be missed.

Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Peter J. Fennel.

She is survived by her son, Peter J. Fennel Jr.; her daughter, Tracy Fennel Morris (Troy), and her granddaughter, Taylor.

Ruth will be remembered for her kindness, strength, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment to service—whether to her patients, her church, her community, or the animals she loved so dearly. Her life was one of compassion, faith, and purpose, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the animal charity of one’s choice.

A memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church, located at 101 S Rancho Dr, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89106. The service is scheduled for January 24, 2026, at 2:00 pm.