By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Businesswoman Ruth F. Schmitt was the definition of a good person.

"Every once in a while - a great while - somebody comes along who is so thoroughly good that it is catching. Contagious, you might say," wrote Enquirer columnist Laura Pulfer in a 1997 column.

"She was the kind of person who made a difference in all the people's lives she came in contact with," said her brother Donald Schmitt of Indian Hill.

"She's never been married but was like a mother to her 12 nieces and nephews, including the five children of her deceased sister (Shirley Judd) and brother-in-law (Bob Judd), who were killed in an automobile accident in 1966. She gave of herself to the kids as if they were her own."

Ms. Schmitt was known to help many in need, including Seton High School girls who needed gowns for the prom, scholarships and jobs. She gave frequent career talks at Seton.

"She was probably a role model for all young professional women," said her best friend, Marilyn Stoeckle of Westwood. "She was very successful in her profession and a pioneer in women's role in insurance."

Ms. Stoeckle added that her friend "was probably the most fun person to be with. She had a knack for making friends."

Ms. Schmitt died Saturday at Bayley Place in Delhi Township. The former Green Township resident was 73.

Born to "Real" and Cliff Schmitt of Cincinnati, she graduated from Seton High School in 1947. After high school, she began working in insurance at the W.E. Lord Co. downtown.

In 1953, Ms. Schmitt went with other members of the company who broke off and formed their own company, Continental Associates, Inc. She moved up in the ranks and eventually became executive vice president.

Ms. Schmitt went on to the Queen City Insurance Co., Inc. in 1988 and served as vice president. She retired in 1993.

She was a member of a number of professional organizations, including the Million Dollar Roundtable, the Cincinnati Association of Life Underwriters, and the Cincinnati Insurance Women.

Ms. Schmitt served on the board of directors for Seton High School as well as Eldermount Adult Day Program and was a member of Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. She was a recipient of the Mother Seton Award.

She was a member of the Maketewah Country Club, on the Philipps Swim Club Board, Covedaleand was vice president of the Funny People's Club, a group of her classmates from grade school and high school.

In addition to her brother, she is survived by a sister, Vivian Riestenberg of Covedale; and nieces and nephews.

Services have been held.

Memorials: Seton Annual Giving Fund, Seton High School, 3901 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati 45205; or Our Daily Bread, P.O. Box 14862, Cincinnati 45250.

E-mail kandrew@enquirer.com