Dr. Ruth E. Alteneder

Dr. Ruth Rowland Alteneder, 89 passed away on June 28, 2023 surrounded by her children in her home. She was born in Waterloo, Iowa on September 14, 1933 to Hannah Sandahl Rowland and John Rowland. She grew up in what was called the Highland area and graduated with honors from East Waterloo High School in 1951. She was active in high school, enjoying singing in the choir in the yearly Swing Show and holding class and student council offices. The University of Iowa was the next step in her education, graduating in 1955 in the first BSN class at the School of Nursing. During her four years at U of I, she was elected president of the nursing students of Iowa and traveled to student conventions. She was inducted into Alpha Delta Pi social sorority, Mortar Board and Sigma Theta Tau, an international nursing scholarship organization. As an only child, she cultivated and sustained lifelong friendships from Iowa.

She worked at the U of Iowa hospital starting her long career in obstetrical nursing. After a year rotating between obstetrical areas, she accepted a position in Paris, France at the American Hospital. This was an opportunity to meet many other exchange nurses and travel. She visited family in Sweden when her schedule allowed in the busy nursing unit. She returned to Iowa City to a pediatric position and accepted an offer to become a clinical obstetrics instructor.

Ruth met her future husband, Alfred (Bill) Alteneder on a blind date before going to France. She ran into him again in his hometown of Iowa City. They were married on June 18, 1960. Ruth moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa where Bill worked with the US Gypsum company. Ruth worked at the Lutheran Hospital as one of the first BSN nurses; she was promoted to the first in-service education coordinator. In 1962, their first child, Rachel Elizabeth was born, followed in 1963 by Alfred William (Will) and in 1966 John Rowland arrived. Ruth established one of the area’s first educational programs for new mothers with her children often “demo models”. Ruth was active in many social organizations and established the beginning of her 50+ year memberships in the women’s educational groups PEO and AAUW. She also was very involved in her children’s activities, especially swimming and Bill’s membership in the Makowaian Native American cultural group.

In 1971, Bill was transferred to Chicago and the family moved to Glen Ellyn, Illinois. A new graduate program was beginning at the Chicago campus of the University of Illinois – a Master of Science in Nursing with the specialties in nurse midwifery and education. Ruth signed up immediately and so began another 1st class at a university. She balanced graduate school, children’s homework, competitive swimming and Bill’s travel with ease. Bill was transferred to the USG plant in Genoa, Ohio and they moved to Perrysburg, Ohio in 1973.

In Toledo, Ruth was employed at the Medical College of Ohio teaching students from BGSU and UT in clinical at both Toledo and Mercy Hospitals. When the college began developing a Family Nurse Practitioner program, Ruth was appointed as a Department Chairperson and then became Associate Dean in the Graduate Program. In 1991 she completed her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Health Education and Educational Psychology at the University of Toledo. She completed several research activities, many focusing on Herpes and AIDS. She published many research articles in both qualitative and quantitative research at a time when many grant projects in nursing were not using either statistical approach. During her summers, Dr. Alteneder (Dr. Ruth became her new moniker) also traveled throughout the US helping other nursing programs with their accreditations and was selected to the first Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Review.

Dr. Ruth was very involved in various groups throughout the Toledo area. She served as president of the Toledo branch of American Association of University Women. She also was a member of the Women in History portraying both Margaret Sanger and Clara Barton. She was an active member of Zoar Lutheran church, serving on the council, singing in the choir and traveling with the group to Europe. She held state and regional officer positions in the Association of Women’s Health Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses. She received many awards in her career including the Golden Lamp Award and the Excellence in Education Award from the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses. She continued to mentor students through the local Sigma Theta Tau student nurses honorary. Her other membership included Perrysburg Garden Club, Toledo Scandinavian Club, The Toledo Symphony League, PEO Chapter I, UTMC faculty club and retirees, Toledo Opera Guild, Toledo Museum of Art, Perrysburg Boat Club and Women in Philanthropy. Bill and Ruth were also part owners of JD Wesley’s Bistro. For several years she was the leader of the University of Iowa alumni club and could always be found cheering on her beloved Hawkeyes!

Dr. Alteneder retired from UT in 2000 as an Emerita Professor. She went the next week to Lourdes University as the interim director of the School of Nursing. After one year she returned to care for her husband Bill, who passed away in 2002. In 2004, she was again approached to serve as an interim dean at Ohio Northern’s nursing program and travelled to Ada, Ohio for a year helping ONU. Writing textbook chapters led Dr. Ruth to attend the University of Iowa’s summer writing workshop. She was always proud of her many students who would greet her.

Bill and Ruth travelled extensively with their children and grandchildren, instilling in them a wanderlust to experience the world and enjoy different food and cultures. Ruth travelled to 6 continents taking herself on an African safari for her 75th birthday. While travelling abroad Ruth often visited maternity hospitals throughout the world (USSR in 1980 was memorable). She was an ardent supporter of her children and grandchildren’s vocations and interests. She loved them dearly and is guiding them from above.

Dr. Ruth E. Alteneder is survived by her children: Rachel E. Wesley (Robert Neuman), Perrysburg, OH; Alfred W. (Will) and Katherine, Arlington, VA; John R. and Yumi, San Antonio, TX, Grandchildren John Ross (Tara) Wesley, Dublin, OH; Ian and Duncan Wesley, Perrysburg, OH; Gwyneth and Robyn Alteneder, Arlington, VA; Liam Alteneder, Austin, TX; Mina and Aidan Alteneder, San Antonio, TX.

Friends and family will be received Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 3-7 p.m. at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg (419-874-3133). Visitation will continue Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 E. Indiana Avenue, Perrysburg where funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Fort Meigs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dr. Ruth Rowland Alteneder nursing scholarships at either the University of Toledo Foundation (check written to UT Foundation) MSN graduate students, 4510 Dorr St. MS820, Toledo, Ohio 43606 (givecampus.com) or for undergraduate BSN nursing students at Lourdes University 6832 Covent Blvd, Sylvania, OH 43560 care of the Office of Institutional Advancement/School of Nursing.