Ruth Loretta Baudendistel, 97, of Belleair Bluffs, FL, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025 at her home. She was born on January 3, 1928 in Dayton, KY to Richard & Thelma (Hughes) Streine. On September 4, 1954, she married Lorin Baudendistel. Her marriage to Lorin brought her to Bethel, Ohio where they blended her 4 children with his 2 children from previous marriages. They later has 2 more children. In 1966, they moved to Florida. She was a Methodist. When her children were young, she ran 4-H club, girl scouts, Vacation Bible School, and PTA events. Ruth worked for A&P in Belleair Bluffs for 9 years and Publix in Largo for 10 years. After retirement, she continued to work in her daughter’s store, Surf & Turf Meat Market in Palm Harbor. Ruth enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening. She was an avid reader and loved solving puzzles. She never met a stranger, she often invited customers to family gatherings and holidays so they wouldn’t be alone.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Lorin, daughter, Carol, brothers Carl & Donald, and sister, Jeannette.
She is survived by seven of her children, Diane Hughes, Lamont (Theresa) Baudendistel, David (Alice) Young, Debbie (Bill) Daugherty, Beverly Harr, Steve (Debbie) Young, and Bruce (Holly) Baudendistel, 14 grandchildren, and 30+ great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at Veterans Funeral Care, 830 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL 33765, on Friday, August 1, 2025, a short gathering at 11am, and service begins at 11:30am. Reception to follow.
May Ruth rest in peace…
She was a lovely lady. Only met her a few times but she was a vibrant woman.
My greatest condolences to all the family at this time.
Sincerely,
Diane and Alan Dorfman
Matt and I were deeply saddened when Ruth passed. I knew her through her daughter Carol who I met 55 years ago so that is how long I knew her beloved Mom. I always loved Ruth as she was a wonderful, caring and fun-loving lady whom I had a deep respect for and she was always so kind, supportive and caring. My Mom and Ruth were friends back in the A&P and Publix days especially. She will be so very missed but we take solace that she has joined Carol, Lorin and her other loved ones and friends including my beloved Mom in Heaven. I will hold all the memories of Ruth close to my heart as Matt and I are certain all her family will forever. Deepest sympathy to all her family.