Ruth Johanna Bauer, age 78, of Franklin, WV, left her earthly home on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Grant Memorial Hospital in Petersburg, WV. She was born on September 1, 1948, in Bonn, Germany.

Ruth graduated Kinder Clinic School of Nursing in Germany and had worked as a Pediatric Nurse in Germany and all over the United States, before becoming a Private Nurse.

Ruth will be remembered as a woman of strength, spirit, and deep affection for the life she built around the things she loved most. She could run a chainsaw as well as any man, a reflection of her confidence, capability, and fearless independence. She loved the outdoors and her fur babies.

Ruth traveled the world, yet found her home in West Virginia, a place that clearly matched her love of nature. She was a master gardener in both flowers and vegetables.

Ruth leaves behind to cherish her memory: the love of her life and companion of 34 years, John K Sponaugle of Franklin; and a nephew, Tobias Breitmeyer of Hamburg, Germany.

In honoring Ruth's wishes, her body has been cremated. Memories of words and comfort may be left atwww.basagic.com.