Ruth Hurst

Ruth Ann Hurst (Zugel), age 83, of Mishawaka passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home March 1, 2026. She was born May 15, 1942, to John and Beatrice (Waldron) Zugel in Allegan MI and was 1 of 14 children. Ruth was a twin to her brother Andrew Zugel who preceded her in death, June of 2023. Ruth was also preceded in death by her loving husband, James (Jim) Hurst, grandson, James (Jamie) F. Hurst and granddaughter, Katlyn R. Obi (Gildner). She is survived by her son, James I. Hurst of Mishawaka, daughter, Julie (Mark) Gildner of South Bend, grandsons Kyle L. Gildner of Mishawaka, Joshua B. Hurst of Laporte, and Michael Obi of Phoenix AZ. Ruth is also survived by 2 brothers and 4 sisters.

Ruth graduated from Allegan High School with the class of 1960 then left for Indiana to stay with her oldest sister, Irma, in South bend. She waitressed at Azars restaurant and that is where she met the love of her life Jim. He would frequent the drive thru and mom would say that she fell in love with his voice when he ordered. They were married on September 21, 1963, in Mishawaka and had 40 years together before his passing in March of 2004. Coworkers and family often heard her refer to Jim affectionately as “the Chief”.

Ruth retired from St Joseph Hospital after 40 years of service as a Patient Care Specialist a career that began unexpectedly after she attended training classes not understanding that she would be required to then work for the hospital after completion. While she worked various floors she always said she loved working in Obstetrics most. She loved the birthing of new life and was honored to be involved in a few births of family members.

Ruth relished being a grandmother and was known by her grandkids, friends of grandkids, and family as “Nana”. She loved that her house was a gathering spot for her grandsons and their friends for game nights. Her granddaughter and swim teammates would stop before and after practice to dress and often blew a fuse from the overuse of hair dryers. She was once called a “happy camper” at the Hacienda due to her frequent visits with family or friends for their margaritas. She loved traveling to Arizona to spend time with her granddaughter and her husband. She enjoyed crab legs and wings with her grandsons when they went out for dinner. Memorable phrases such as “no muss no fuss” and “this too shall pass” were more like mantras that she lived by. She is also remembered by her more amusing “Ruthisms” such as using “hairy” as an adjective and using “Louise” as a middle name for any woman or girl. Waitresses were used to her asking for a “jobby doo” of something and often asked her if she wanted it before she finished her order.

Ruth was the life of the party, the fun and loving aunt and grandma and most importantly the best mom anyone could ask for. As she would say, “we couldn’t have done better if we ordered her out of a catalog”.

Cremation has taken place with a time to celebrate a wonderful life is being planned for May, with details to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Center for Hospice Care.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Ruth’s life, or extend a message of comfort to her family, please visit the Guestbook.

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