Ruth Irene Vensel's Obituary
Ruth Cowan Vensel, 98, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away at Margaret Z. Dozier Hospice House on October 3, 2025, after an extended illness. Ruth, the only daughter of Robert and Alberta Cowan, was born in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. She was a graduate of Indiana University, Pennsylvania, with a B.S. in Music. Ruth was an accomplished and gifted musician, proficient in playing the violin, piano and organ. As an educator, due to multiple moves, Ruth’s teaching career encompassed over 40+ years, at numerous schools, levels, and states.
She was predeceased by her husband, Reverend Harry E. Vensel. Ruth combined her love of music and teaching and used her talents at the multiple Lutheran churches where her husband served as pastor. Additionally, her time and aptitudes saw her as an educator of Elementary education, educator of Orchestra and Chorus at the high school level, Superintendent of Sunday School, giving private piano lessons, serving as the church organist for multiple churches, Handbell and Church choir director, and long-term nanny for Luke Williams. Most recently, she was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church. Ruth was a voracious reader and babysitter to multiple children. Eclipsing all other activities, Ruth loved watching all levels of football, avidly following the Steelers and Bucs. However, her favorite spectator-sport was watching her grandson, Garrett, play football, from youth league, Leon High School, and college quarterbacking at FAU.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Vensel Jahn and her husband Bix Jahn of Tallahassee; her son Gregory Vensel and his wife Tracey of Venice, Florida; granddaughter Lindsey Jahn Barton and her husband Quinn; grandson Garrett Jahn and his wife, Kaitlin; and Great-Grandchildren: Wesley, Alyce, Lily, Emsley, Ella, Lawson (Buddy), Mills, and Luke Williams (honorary).
Above all else, however, Ruth’s first love was serving Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Ruth loved the Lord and believed it was a great honor to exit this earth and enter eternal life to be with her Lord and Savior in the Heavenly Kingdom.
The date and time of Ruth’s memorial service will be announced at a later date. Charitable donations include St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Big Bend Hospice.
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