Ruth Eva Zabel

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Ruth Eva Zabel, who gently departed this world on May 1, 2026, at the age of 91. Ruth was born on January 31, 1935, in the picturesque landscapes of Germany to her loving parents, Helene Renn and Gustav Kuklinsky. Her life was a testament to resilience, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to family and community. Ruth's journey through life was marked by her deep compassion and dedication to nurturing others. She found her calling in foster care, where she impacted countless young lives with her boundless kindness and empathy. Ruth's nurturing spirit extended beyond her professional life, as she became a cherished member of the Hope Community Baptist Church, where her faith and service inspired all who knew her. In 1955, Ruth married the love of her life, Reinhard Zabel, with whom she shared a beautiful journey until his passing. Together, they created a loving family that became the center of Ruth's world. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Reinhard, her dear sisters Edeltraud Sieglinde and Gertrude Bailey, her brother David Dawson, her brother Walter Renn, and her cherished daughter Barbara Zabel. Each loss left a profound mark on Ruth, yet she carried their memories with grace and strength. Ruth leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth through her surviving family members: her devoted brother Gunther (Ann) Kuklinsky, her loving daughter Gertrude Lowery, and her caring son Jim (Chris) Zabel. Her grandchildren, Tim (Krista) McBride, Joshua (Crystal) Zabel, Kiah Zabel, Gavin Zabel, Tiffany Johnson, Niklaus Zabel, and Jennifer Zabel, were the light of her life, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments. The joy of her life was further enriched by her great-grandchildren Kayla, Misty, Tylor Zabel, and Timothy, Kaylee McBride, and her three precious great-great-grandchildren. Ruth's life was filled with vibrant family gatherings, where her generous spirit and love for travel created cherished memories that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew her. Her home was a haven of warmth and laughter, where stories were shared, and traditions were upheld. Ruth Eva Zabel was a beacon of love and kindness in a world that often needs it most. Her legacy is one of unwavering faith, dedication to service, and a profound love for family and community. Though she has left this earthly realm, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all those who were fortunate to be touched by her grace. A celebration of Ruth's life will be held at Hope Community Baptist Church, where friends and family will gather to honor her remarkable journey and bid farewell to a truly extraordinary woman. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to organizations supporting foster care, a cause Ruth held close to her heart. Ruth Eva Zabel's life was a testament to the power of love, and her memory will forever be a blessing to those who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace, embraced by the love she gave so freely in life.