Ruth Mai

**Obituary for Ruth Jo Ann Mai**

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ruth Jo Ann Mai, aged 93, who peacefully left this world on March 9, 2025, at her cherished home in Mason, Ohio. Born on March 20, 1931, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jo as she preferred to be called, embodied the spirit of love, care, and artistry throughout her life.

As a devoted homemaker, Jo dedicated herself to her family, nurturing and supporting both her children and grandchildren. Her unwavering commitment to family was mirrored in her artistic endeavors, in which she created personal pastel portraits, as well as beautiful needlepoint Christmas stockings for each of her grandchildren. Coming from a family of artists, art in many forms was an important value to her, and she enjoyed improving her God gifted talent by taking classes at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

In her professional life, she worked for Central Trust, Fifth Third, and finally, PNC Bank. As a highly valued Executive Assistant in the Trust Department, her skills in organization, attention to detail, and her unwaveringly strong work ethic, came second to her amazing patience, kindness, and humility in dealing with often challenging clientele. These strengths were just a part of why she was greatly respected, developed lasting friendships, and was sorely missed once she retired!

Always an excellent athlete, Jo thoroughly enjoyed improving her skills on both the tennis court, and the golf course, competing with high awards in both! As her competitive days decreased, her attention to exercise became more focused on long walks with her husband Bob, and her beloved animals, her dogs and cats all of which she loved with sweet devotion!

Jo was an avid gardener, and creating breathtaking beauty in every yard, at every home she moved to, was a top priority at each! She didn’t just plant flowers. Instead she created relationships with local nurseries and learned how to deal best with the soil she went to libraries and studied native plants, and she created detailed notebooks of every plant she intended to grow, complete with instructions on proper care and feeding of each! Always a lifelong creative learner, tending and caring for her lovely gardens and her precious animals brought her immense happiness and fulfillment.

To Jo, the most meaningful and significant aspect of her life, was her relationship with the Lord, her Savior. Her undying faith kept her strong, loving, and caring throughout her aging process that was deeply admired by every nurse, caregiver, relative and friend that had the priviledge of being in her presence. The nurturing spirit that extended beyond her family, was evident in the handwritten cards and letters she crafted for countless friends, neighbors, and church members in need of her gentle encouragement and uplifting kindness.

These and many other dedicated acts of thoughtfulness and love, demonstrate how Jo’s entire life was a testament to her strong Christian faith, her love of God, family and country, by caring for and serving those around her.

Jo is survived by her son, Karl Kolesnikoff, daughter, Joy Kolesnikoff, step-son, Eric Mai, 14 beloved grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Mai, parents, Edward and Ruth Strubbe, daughters Janice Martin and Kim Scherer, brother, Harte Strubbe, and sister, Sophia Upson.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Monday, March 31^st, 2025 at the Arlington Memorial Gardens Lakeside Mausoleum Chapel, 2145 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 (Follow the RED Line) from 1:30-2:30pm.

Memorial contributions in honor of Jo can be made to Cincinnati Animal CARE at https://cincinnatianimalcare.org/donate/.