Love you, Ms. Ruth. We are still missing you and thank you for everything you did for us.

Ruth is our sister and best friend. She introduced Jim and me 29 years ago and was always praying for us and encouraging us.  She loved my parents and family as if they were her own.  We miss you!

Ruth and I met when I came from Bellevue to Ridgeway. Became friends immediately and it never changed.  She went to New Bern NC with me, visited the Marine base at Jacksonville and the ships on the coast. When I got home she introduced me to Jim Rich who 6 months later became my husband. 4 years later I was privileged to sing at her wedding to Chad the love of her life.  She introduced me to TopGun and I introduced her to Ross Dress for Less, which became one of her favorite places to go.   She supported me when my father died. I would have had no pictures if she hadn’t come and stood in the gap for me.  I will always remember Ruth as my best friend and sister.

Missing Ruth greatly. Glad to have her call me her brother. 27 years ago, she introduced me to my future wife, Greta. Every time I travel through town, I pass places - restaurants, churches and shooting ranges - where we have made memories with Ruth. Knowing her made my life richer. A wonderful person and friend!

Ruth was a shining light in this world. She loved the Lord — and is in her eternal home. I will miss the joy she spread everyday.  We go all the way back to Baptist  School of Nursing then together as baby nurses at UT Bowld. This life is so short —- You will be missed Ruth. 

Crazy moment with a waitress at Patrick’s 

Ruth  was a good friend of mine. She and I shared words of wisdom and encouragement among each other. She often tried to get me to come to days . I asked why, she said so I could greet people with my beautiful smile. We often texted to encourage each other after our days at work. She will be greatly missed.  I will miss her smile and cornerstone assignments that I done that were for nurses and not for me. I would tell her, but she still sent them any way. She is a angel gone to soon, but I will see again.

Aunt Ruth enjoying the  holidays with her great niece and family.

she loved ketchup , she would even put it on a tomato 

We will miss you at Berclair Baptist Church. 

Ruth pushed me to learn how to shoot a gun

Ruth and Tina showing off the new machine at work!! Ruth was always there to help and so excited for the team!!

Ruth’s contagious smile that would light up a room

Ms. Ruth,

It is a honor to know you. My life is blessed just to have met and worked with you. You will be most certainly be missed. 

Love,

Simone 

Such an amazing person and friend. The most intelligent, kind, and giving nurse that I have known in my 48 years in nursing. Heaven has gained an Angel. My prayers and blessings are with her family and friends.

Ruth.

Full of life.
Full of laughter. 
Full of love.

Brilliant, 
Compassionate,
A leader among leaders.

Humble.
Simple.
Extremely complex. 

Visionary.
Passionate.
Driven.

My coworker, 
My friend,  
My sister in Christ. 

We studied together.  
We worked together. 
We played together. 
We laughed together. 
We cried together. 

Sometimes my coach,
Sometimes my leader,
Sometimes the one pushing me from behind. 

Beach lover, 
Education lover, 
Excellence lover. 

Driven, 
Uplifter,  
Teacher. 

Clinician, 
Fearless, 
Friend. 

Daughter of the King of Kings. 
My sister in Christ.  
More than words can describe. 

Full of life, 
Full of hope, 
Full of generosity, 
Full of love. 

Nurse among nurses. 
Honors and awards galore. 
Patient advocate. 
Nurse advocate. 

Always putting others ahead of herself. 
Always pursuing excellence. 
Always humble. 

Sometimes bringing the best out in me, 
Sometimes bringing the worst out in me, 
Forever challenging me. 

We worked together, 
We traveled together, 
We wrote together,  
We spoke together, 

We published together,  
We presented together, 
We led together. 

We laughed together, 
We cried together, 
We dreamed together, 

Saying goodbye-

So much pain. 
So much grief. 
So many memories. 

Thank you, my precious friend,  
Thank you for so many memories, 
Thank you for being in my life, 
Thank you for being you. 

I will see you again. 
Heaven’s glory is now your home. 
My tears are not for you, 
My tears are selfish tears. 

Ruth, you finished your race well. 
God, grant me the strength and grace to do the same. 

Shari Brase-Smith
July 24, 2022


Ruth was a very generous Christian. She loved and cared for people. 

Donna and I were blessed to know Ruth and every time we communicated with her. Her love for sharing Christ love is still going forward and we will be gifting in her memory to the Gideons International, to distribute Bibles in her honor and God's glory. That we're sure as she is at His feet worshipping now. 

Ruth was an absolute favorite in our shop. She was a very pleasant person and always had a good word to share. She will be dearly missed!

Ruth thank you for your imprint on my nursing career at MUH. You are deeply missed. 

Ruth was a “ great educator” for all nurses. She always had a nice  word of encouragement or a kind gesture to express. Her big smile would light up the entire atmosphere. I am so fortunate to have met Ruth on her busy journey at Methodist University Hospital. She was one of GOD’s best. 😊🏥

Ruth was BIGGER THAN LIFE. Her presence was comforting and her smile was infectious. She may not have known everyone, but everyone knew her. Ruth had a kind way of interacting and educating those around her.  She was always thinking and doing for others. Jesus radiated from her in her deeds, her prayers, her LIFE. She will be missed!

Ruth would light a room up with a smile. She always had an encouraging word for anyone and everyone. She was one of the most brilliant people I have ever met. She was also one of the most humble people I know. She is an inspiration to anyone who met her. I’m honored to have been called a friend by her. 

That smile!!❤️❤️❤️ She had a blast that night!!

The Nightingale Tribute Reading For My Friend Ruth Tutor!  

Nursing is a calling, a lifestyle, a way of living. Ruth who is no longer with us is not remembered by her years as a nurse, but by the difference she made during those years by stepping into people’s lives, by special moments.  

She was there when a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed, she was there. In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life, she was there. When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend, she was there. At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained, she was there. When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind, she was there. When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed, she was there. In choosing the best one from a family’s “Thank You” box of chocolates, she was there. To witness humanity, its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment, she was there. To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope, she was there and now, that it is time to be at the Greater One’s side, she is there.  ©2004 Duane Jaeger, RN, MSN] 

What a Godly woman and inspiration to everyone! Heaven truly gained an Angel! Always the 1st to offer up a prayer. She will be greatly missed! 

Condolences and prayers go up for Dr. Ruth’s family and friends.  She was the best nurse in the world to her patients.  A very dedicated and professional caregiver!  She will be missed greatly by all those whose lives she touched in this earthly world.  

OBITUARY

Ruth Anna Strickler Tutor

July 1, 1965 – July 23, 2022

Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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