Ruth Ann Stinnett

Ruth Ann “Ruthie” (Feltz) Stinnett  

May 30, 1934 – March 11, 2024

Parents, Albert Joseph Feltz,Sr. and Marian Mildred (Schad) Feltz.

She was born in the Feltz family home which her father, grandfather, and uncles had built on Minerva Street, between New York and Vermont, on the near west side of Indianapolis.  Minerva St. later became University Blvd. on the campus of IUPUI.

She and her parents only lived with Grandma & Grandpa Feltz and Uncle Paul & Aunt Gertrude, Albert’s brother and sister-in-law who were both blind, for a few months before her doctor told her parents they had to move.  It seems that she was so loved (can we say “spoiled”) by all the people in the house that the only way to get her to sleep at night was for her father to try to sleep while holding her on his chest. Not a restful picture every night!

Attended St. Patrick Grade School in Fountain Square.  This is where her mother attended grade school when it was still segregated into separate classrooms for boys and girls.

From there she went to St. Mary Academy on Vermont Street in downtown Indianapolis where she graduated in 1952.  She always said she drew her way through high school taking as many art classes as she was allowed because art was her passion.

Her ultimate passion however became being a mother to her 6 children.

Married August Joseph “Gus” Stinnett on October 10, 1954. She and Gus were married for 68 years. He precedes her in death.

Ruthie was employed at Pittman Moore. Ruthie was a co-founder of the Garfield Park Neighborhood Association where she worked tireless hours to provide a safe family environment. The Association worked with community leaders to maintain and improve the neighborhood.  Ruthie made it a point to introduce herself to all neighbors and create a supportive network for all residents.  

Ruthie was a sacramental minister for Good Sheperd Catholic Church where she provided support for all those in need.

Ruthie was a strong advocate for the formation of the Roncalli High School Girls Tennis Team which is still a vibrant part of the high school curriculum.

Ruthie was a dedicated participant in the Garfield Park Neighborhood Watch and frequently met with first responders to strengthen collaboration with these partners. 

Ruthie supported Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where she was married, and supported its ministry for several decades.

She is preceded by her parents, Albert Joseph Feltz, Sr. and Marian Mildred (Schad) Feltz and her siblings Albert J. Feltz, Jr. (wife, Theresa E. Diekhoff), Mary Margaret (Feltz) Koker, and son, John Robert Stinnett and grandson Brandon Matthew Pfeifer

She is survived by her children, Michael, Catherine Pfeifer (David), Steven, John (deceased); Rita Sahm (Raymond), Suzanne Stinnett (Tom Corbett, Ralph Boots); sister, Carolyn S. (Feltz) Iaria-Bundy (the late Peter Iaria and the late Donald Bundy; grandchildren, Brian, Brandon (deceased), and Brittney Pfeifer, Allyson Cassaday, Jordyn Stinnett, Nicholas Sahm (Erin), Benjamin Corbett (Annie); and seven great-grandchildren. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024, 2 to 6 p.m., in the O'Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East St., where morning prayers will be said at 9:45 a.m., Monday, March 18, 2024.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., in Holy Rosary Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.  

The family asks, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to support the "Rev. Augustine J. Sansone Endowment for the training of Seminarians at Simon Brute' College Seminary" in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Contributions should be made out to: Catholic Community Foundation f/b/o Rev. Augustine J. Sansone Endowment, Attn: Melanie Johnson, 1400 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 or to the Little Sisters of the Poor at 2345 W. 86th St. Indianapolis IN 46260.