Ruth Ann Hirt

Ruth Ann Hirt, 90, of Dayton, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 31, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born to Louis and Marie Gosser on August 8, 1936. Her family were devoted members of Shelby Settlement Church—a church her family helped build—and she attended grade school there. She went on to attend Crestline High School and later left home for Detroit, Michigan, where she graduated from the National School of Aeronautics Airline Training Center in 1955. She worked as an airline reservations specialist in Detroit before marrying and moving back to Ohio, and then on to California. In 1964, she returned to Ohio, settling in Dayton with her family, where she became a member of Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church.

Ruth was a longtime and devoted member of Queen of Martyrs, where she participated in many ministries. She faithfully served as a sacristan and eucharistic minister and was an active member of the Rosary Altar Society. Her compassionate spirit shone through her work on the bereavement committee, where she offered comfort and support to families during their most difficult moments—reflecting her caring heart and her willingness to serve others. She loved teaching sewing to the students at Queen of Martyrs, sharing not just a skill but her patience and creativity.

Ruth’s generosity reached far beyond the church—she was ready to help, willing to give, and committed to making her community a better place. She lovingly carried on her mother’s tradition of making blankets for those experiencing homelessness, keeping alive a legacy of compassion that meant so much to her. She also spent countless hours volunteering at food pantries and thrift stores that supported local families, always willing to give her time to anyone who needed a helping hand. In addition to her volunteer work, she also served the community as a compassionate insurance agent and a notary, always using her skills to support those who needed guidance and reassurance. She never sought praise, recognition, or anything in return. For her, helping others was simply a way of life. With a warm smile, a gentle spirit, and a heart full of compassion, she quietly and faithfully gave of herself to others. Her kindness was never for recognition – it was simply who she was, and she gave from the heart. Her sense of humor had a way of sneaking up on people. With her quiet, subtle delivery and quick wit, she could make you laugh out loud with the smallest, most unexpected comment — the kind that lingered and made you smile again later.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Marie; her son, Gregory; and her siblings, Carl, Florine, Joan, Dorothy, and Paul. She is survived by her beloved children, Tim (JoAnn) Hirt, Christopher (Julie) Hirt, and Patricia Hirt; her brothers, Leo and David Gosser; her grandchildren, Jessica (Mike) Compart, Nathaniel (Lindsey) Hirt, Gregory (Marissa) Hirt, Kayla (Edward) Strecker, Christina (Tyler) Maxwell, and Benjamin (Tyler) Hirt; and her great‑grandchildren, Titus, Rylee, Ellis, Jace, Evan, Corben, Lucas, Ally, Wesley, and Stephen. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the St. Henry’s Chapel at Calvary Cemetery, 1625 Calvary Dr., Dayton, OH 45409, with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Fr. Benoit Mukamba officiating. Burial will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, Ruth would prefer donations be made to your favorite charity. Arrangements are entrusted to Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia. Condolences may be shared at www.MortonWhetstoneFH.com.