Virginia Ruth Nuechterlein

With heartfelt gratitude and warm memories accumulated during a long life well-lived, the family of Virginia Ruth “Ginny” Ulrich Nuechterlein announces her peaceful death on September 22, 2026, after a long illness.

Born in Bucyrus, Ohio, on May 10, 1942, to Miriam (Gottfried) and Friel Ulrich, Ginny grew up with her younger siblings Edward and Mary on the family farm in Wyandot County (Upper Sandusky), Ohio. She was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Upper Sandusky on August 9, 1942. Her will to live was strong—born prematurely and with a low birth weight at a time when odds did not favor her survival, she nonetheless thrived. She was confirmed into the Lutheran Church at St. Paul on May 20, 1956, and remained a faithful member her entire life.

Music was a lifelong passion for Ginny. She learned early to play the piano, encouraged by her mother. This brought pleasure to Ginny throughout her life and was an ability that remained with her well into her final illness. She also played the tenor saxophone in the band at Upper Sandusky High School and served Bethel Lutheran Church in Grove City, Ohio, as an organist for a time. Not limiting herself to instrumental music, she participated in choirs at several congregations during her life.

The first in her family to earn a Bachelor’s degree, she graduated from Capital University (majoring in Education) in 1964. This was followed by a Master’s degree in Education earned at The Ohio State University in 1970. She had a long and active involvement in early childhood education, serving as a classroom teacher, pre-school director and educational administrator at various schools in Ohio and Illinois.

She married Paul Ernst Nuechterlein on November 21, 1971. She was the mother of two children, Barry (born 1974) and Karyn (born 1976). With her family, she lived in Columbus, Worthington and Galion, Ohio; Allegany, New York and Rockford, Illinois, before returning to Ohio permanently in 2000. She resided after her return first in Galion and finally in Worthington.

Starting in October, 2022, she benefited from the professional and devoted work of many excellent caregivers of various types at Wesley Glen on High Street in Columbus, Ohio. They made her last years comfortable, dignified and meaningful and will never be forgotten by her family. During her final acute illness, the excellent and sincerely-appreciated care received at the Hospice House of Ohio Health (Riverside Methodist Hospital) ensured her comfort.

Ginny is survived by her husband Paul and children, Barry and Karyn (Ted) Cipresso as well as her sister Mary (John) Wilson of Jenera, Ohio and sister-in-law Kathy (Thompson) Ulrich of Delphos, Ohio. Also surviving are her nieces Ann Strange, Sarah (Stephen) Hamouda, Amanda (Randell) Cox and Anita Nuechterlein; nephews Fred Wilson, Steve (Michelle) Wilson, Dan (Kirsten) Strange and Scott (Diana) Ulrich and many other loving friends and relatives.

Preceding Ginny in death were her mother Miriam (Gottfried) Ulrich, father Friel Ulrich, brother Edward Ulrich, and her nephews Matthew and Andrew Ulrich. May all their memories be a blessing.

We commend our fondly-remembered wife, sister, mother, aunt and friend into the merciful care and love of Almighty God. A visitation (10-11 a.m.), memorial service (11 a.m.) and meal to follow will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 6770 North High Street, Worthington, OH 43085 on November 19, 2026. All who loved Ginny are welcome. She opted for cremation and will be inurned in the columbarium at All Saints.

Ginny supported the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission, https://nelm.org. Gifts there in lieu of flowers are welcomed, or flowers may be ordered from Milano's UpTowne Florist, 614-889-1001, www.flowers@milanoflorist.com for delivery to All Saints.