Ruth Barnhill Obituary, Death- Barnhill, Ruth Ann 64, of Minneapolis, passed away unexpectedly from an aneurysm on July 23, 2023.
Her husband David and twin sister Theresa were by her side when she went to Heaven. Ruth, most beautiful Ruth, was born December 12, 1958 to proud parents Tom and Kathy Hritzko. She was the 2nd of fraternal twins, her sister Theresa being 6 minutes older. They lived an idyllic life in Chisholm, MN where they were joined by brothers John and Paul.
In 1967, the Hritzkos moved to the Twin Cities and eventually settled in New Brighton. It was in New Brighton that youngest brother Ben joined the family. Ruth’s father Tom inspired them all with a love of sports. Ruth went on to play volleyball throughout high school and with adult teams into her 50s. Kathy passed on her love and skills of sewing and home crafts to both her daughters.
Ruth found joy in crafting and cooking when she could find the time. Ruth graduated from Irondale High School in 1977 and was Ice Age Queen her senior year. After high school, she went to the U of M and earned a degree in what was then called Home Economics. Her work life started with McDonald’s in high school and then moved on to Target and Charter Club until finally landing her dream job of a lifetime with MDI (Minnesota Diversified Industries) in 1999.
MDI is a social enterprise nonprofit which employs people with disabilities in an inclusive and equitable environment. Not having kids of her own, she relished being the Aunt who came to all the recitals, performances and the life events of her many nieces and nephews. She loved being a godmother to niece, Marie Corbett and nephew, Joe Hritzko. Ruth enjoyed music her whole life.
She was in a junior high production of The Sound of Music and sang in her high school choir. As an adult she sang in the choir at St. Charles Borromeo in NE Minneapolis. She had fun with her Rock Camp Experience buddies and she loved KARAOKE. Ruth loved all movies, old and new. She’d watch the classics, the obscure and not so great movies. She’d give any movie a chance.
Her love of film was one of the things that drew her and David together. Ruth loved taking care of herself. She loved makeup, clothes, jewelry and making up ensemble outfits so everything matched. She was diligent, precise and perfect in her appearance. She ALWAYS looked fabulous. Ruth was a practicing Catholic her whole life and found great comfort in her faith.
With service and giving being part of her life, Ruth had been a long time member of the Junior League and most recently a volunteer with Cooking for Kids. In 2007, Ruth Hritzko met David Barnhill and it was a match made in heaven. From their first night, they were romance incarnate. They adored each other and traveled the world: Australia 3x, England 3x, plus Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, Italy and Greece.
As a couple they enjoyed throwing parties, meeting friends and being social with friends across the country and around the world. They cuddled a lot, they kissed goodnight every night and kissed goodbye every morning and they clinked glasses every chance they got. They were a magic couple. Above all else, she lit up a room.
She was generous, loving and absolutely beautiful inside and out. She was ever cheerful with a smile for everyone. She laughed easily, had a big heart and shared it with everyone. Everybody loved Ruth and she loved everybody. She was a caring daughter, a cherished sister and loving sweetheart and wife. It is with heartfelt condolences we share with you that our beloved Ruth Barnhill.
MDI’s Board & Executive Assistant, unexpectedly passed away late last month. During Ruth’s 24 years at MDI, she greatly helped the organization’s mission and was positive light that shined bright. She worked in Human Resources, Finance, and as the Executive Assistant to the CEO.
as well as led many volunteer programs from Special Olympics Polar Plunges to all company picnics and parties. Ruth was critical to the continuity of operations and our ability to execute strategic initiatives with the Board and its committees. We will deeply miss her smile and servant leadership qualities in the days, weeks and months ahead.
