Janine’s Mission 79: 100 Year Old Army Nurse

Mission 79: Send by 9/21

Army Nurse Turning 100!

A note from Ruth’s friends Mr. & Mrs. Kerestes: 

Ruth enlisted in the Army Nursing Corps after graduating from nurses training at Jameson Memorial Hospital in New Castle, Pennsylvania. As a 2^nd Lieutenant she and several hundred other newly graduated cadet nursers were assigned to the USS Republic, a floating hospital ship where they treated injured patients. She was en route to Saipan as the U.S. prepared for the invasion of Japan; however, the nurses were rerouted to Fort Bliss, Texas.

After the war she met fellow World War II Veteran Harry Ketzel and married in 1947. They had a lovely life together and had two children, Amy (Navy Nurse) and Wally. After raising her family, she worked as a plant nurse at Rockwell International and was a volunteer hospital nurse for the Red Cross. In addition, she has five grandchildren (two of whom are Marines) and seven great-grandchildren. Ruth loves to read and go for walks and enjoys her independence.

Her son Wally says her health is good, but she did not want a party for her 100^th Birthday. When approached with the idea of birthday cards coming from “Janine’s Team” Wally said…. let’s fill her mailbox with cards.

Please join us in wishing Ruth a happy 100^th Birthday, much health, and continued happiness!

Her birthday is 9/25. Please send your cards by: 9/21

Ruth Ketzel
9111 Sharrott Road, Unit # 531A
Poland, Ohio 44514

As a proud member of the Greatest Generation Ruth continues to enjoy reminiscing with fellow veterans and others in her community and actively participates in veterans related events. Your kind words will make Ruth smile on her special day