Tributes for Ruth Hofsteter

Read tributes in memory of Ruth Hofsteter.

Nancy Lott Henry, Bissamcuttack, Tilda,, Khariar, India

Ruth was like a big sister to me when I reached Khariar in July, 1960 to begin my missionary nursing services .  She oriented me to Indian village life and shared her challenges and joys.  For the next several years we were alternately serving as Nursing Superintendents of the Evangelical Hospitals in Khariar and Tilda.  In Khariar she was my maid of honor for my wedding to Dr. V.K.Henry and Godmother to our son, Anil. After her retirement we visited her, her sister Grace, and her parents several times in rural Massillon.  She was a lover of nature and maintained a beautiful garden both in India and in Ohio.  We were saddened when in 2005 we visited the Massillon area but could not find her and lost contact.

Ruth was the picture of humility and a simple life style.  Her affection for the staff and local community was selfless and genuine; she was loved for her caring nature.  When in Tilda, she was active in nursing education and followed Sister Minnie Gadt, the founder of the School of Nursing to carry on the standard of quality education  and committed service.  Her footprints are deeply embedded in our Mid-India mission Hospitals where she is still honored and lovingly remembered.