WRIGHT, RUTH MARY

Ruth Mary Wright lived a long and happy life. She died at home surrounded by family on January 30, 2023. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 20, 1927, to Joseph and Florence Harmeyer. When her mother died in 1929, she was reared by her aunt, Lillian Zoller and husband Elmer. Ruth grew up in Cincinnati and worked as a bookkeeper and secretary. She was also a talented dancer and ballerina, studying and performing in Chicago.

She married Joseph C. Zinser in 1948. His career as an accountant took them first to Dayton, Ohio, and later to Indianapolis, Indiana, where they lived and raised five children. She was always active in her children’s schools, sports and scout activities and dance programs. She proudly wore the Cub Scout Den Mother uniform. The couple moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1974, where she was bookkeeper and office manager for the Pizza Hut regional group. She was beloved by her co-workers and mentored high school students who worked with her to learn career skills.

Ruth was a selfless mother and favorite aunt to her many nieces and nephews. She was always full of sunshine and laughter and the life of any party. She exuded happiness, always.

In her mid-60s, Ruth returned to her love of dance and took up ballroom dancing. She traveled internationally and won gold medals in many competitions.

She was preceded in death by her sister Lorraine Schmidt, husband Joseph after a 40-year marriage and husband Russell Wright. She is survived by her five children; Joseph Zinser (Sharon), Christine Lavelle (Jack), Cindi Harris (Mitch), Connie Dean and Claire Troth (Ron); 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren remember how she taught them to dance, using a broom as partner.

Ruth lived at The Terraces of Phoenix for eight years, spreading her hallmark cheer to many friends and staff, especially her companion, John Haug. They enjoyed music programs and weekly dinners together with friends.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her memory to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, Arizona 85014. https://hov.org/donate/.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.