Ruthanne Nerlich

Ruthanne Nerlich, age 86, passed away unexpectedly surrounded by her family on the morning of April 28th, 2024 in her home in Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania.

Ruthanne was born August 14th, 1937 in Pittsburgh, PA, to parents Richard and Mae (Skewis) Sturges. She went on to marry Bernard W. Nerlich in 1960, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her two children, Bernard R. and Bethanne Nerlich, and 5 grandchildren, Haley Kahle (Josh), Amber Nerlich, Kellianne Nerlich, Hunter Martin, and Trace Martin.

Ruthanne graduated in 1960 from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Her career began as a registered nurse at the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, then the Jersey City Medical Center, and finally, ending as an educator at Allegheny General Hospital. Ruthanne stepped away from her career when she and Bernie decided to start a family. She did, however, eventually return to the nursing profession in a big way. With the Franklin and Oil City Nurses’ clubs facing closure, Ruthanne fought to merge the two organizations. Eventually she, with the help of others, succeeded and became the Chairman of the Board of the Visiting Nurses Association of Venango County in 1971. Ultimately, she became the Executive Director of the VNA, and remained in this position until her retirement in 2003.

Beyond her unbelievable career and many additional achievements, she continued to be a loving and caring mother, dedicated wife, loving grandmother and a warrior for all in need. She was known to rescue animals at any hour of the day to get them the care they needed and spent countless hours volunteering for the Venango County Humane Society.

If you were lucky enough to know her, you knew her utmost passion in life was animals, especially her greatest friend Josie. The Nerlich household was home to numerous animals over the years, including several Boxer dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and a goat.

Ruthanne spent many winters enjoying the Florida Keys with friends, along with many summers on Conneaut Lake with family. She will be deeply missed.

Her family remembers her for the inspirational woman that she was, but also as the humble, and deeply caring mother, and grandmother that she will always be.  Ruthanne made it her mission to open her doors to anyone and had the unique ability to make each visitor feel at home.  Ruthanne never did anything for the attention, or the thanks. She did it because it was simply how she loved.

Ruthanne will be entombed next to her late husband Bernie at the Franklin Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Collins Hospice House of the Venango VNA Foundation at 491 Allegheny Boulevard, Franklin, PA, 16323. Their phone number is (814) 437-0365. Memorials may also be sent to the Venango County Humane Society located at 286 South Main Street, Seneca, PA, 16346. Donations can be made directly on their website.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.