Ruth Sutherland, 82, of Franklin, Tenn., formerly of Swanton, died on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Ruth was born on Sept. 21, 1934 in New Sharon, Iowa, to the late Robert and Blanche Klinker.

She was the youngest of seven children, all sharing in a love of music. Ruth studied violin from a very young age. Her love for the violin carried through into her adult life. She particularly enjoyed playing for church services and special occasions.

In 1955, after studying for a year at William Penn College, Ruth moved to the Toledo area. Soon after settling into her new town she met Martin Sutherland Sr. They married in 1956, and soon started their family. They enjoyed raising their four children in Swanton.

While raising her children, Ruth enjoyed a storied career in the health care field. She worked as a CNA in several health care facilities, most notably in nursing homes. She retired from that line of work in 2009 after serving the patients at Ridgewood Manner in Maumee at the age of 75. She was well-known for treating her patients as if they were members of her own family. Ruth's love of caring for others was carried out through her death as well. Per her wishes, her family was able to donate some of her organs, her liver going to a recipient in Virginia and her lungs going to a specific lung research program at Vanderbilt University Medical School.

Ruth truly made her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren her main priority. Surviving children are Cynthia Chavez of Upper Marlboro, Md., Martin (Debbie) Sutherland Jr. of Swanton, Michelle (Ken) King of Franklin, Tenn., and Mark Sutherland of Franklin, Tenn.; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; her sister, Elsie Minner of Montezuma, Iowa; and many dearly-loved nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Ruth's wishes were to be cremated, and her burial private.

Those who would like to remember her are asked to make donations to in Memphis, Tenn.

Due to her love for bowling, Ruth's family will hold a celebration of her life from noon to 3 p.m. at Swanton Sports Center on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016.