Janet Hinckley Ruzich

Janet Hinckley Ruzich, known as Jan, Ruz, Mom, and Boots to her loved ones, passed from this world on May 27, 2024 to her eternal residence in the mansion Jesus prepared for her.

Born in Hinsdale, IL, on October 7, 1931, she was the daughter of William Brewster Hinckley and Elizabeth Kolb Hinckley (Poppy and Gommy) and the sister of Nancy and Betty. She met her faithful husband, Ken, in high school, but a romance didn’t blossom until he returned from the Marines in 1955. They married in the summer of 1956 on the day the 17-year locusts made their appearance, finding their way onto her beautiful wedding dress. 

Over a 64-year marriage, they raised three sons in the Chicago and Pittsburgh suburbs, moving in 1976 to O'Hara Township, where they resided for 46 years in their greatly cherished home atop a hill, overlooking a lush valley and cityscape. There they established spectacular gardens that would bring them and others great pleasure. Her grandchildren loved to visit her there, and she would make much ado about them as their beloved grandmother, Boots.

Gregarious, energetic, and small-but-mighty, Jan found Jesus Christ in 1971, and this set her on a lifelong love-relationship journey with Him.  She was a dedicated small-group leader in Community Bible Study for many years at St. Stephens in Sewickley. She was also a very creative person, as embodied in her art, embroidery, decorating, and gardening. She had a special fondness for chocolate, ice cream, and sweets.  Upon arriving at her home for Christmas, one could find eight-to-ten tins of delicious cookies, hidden from all to await the arrival of her family. She cared very deeply for her family.

She is survived by her sons and their spouses: Jeff (Scott), Gary (Mari), and Andy (Connie), and her five grandchildren, Emily (John), Bess, Ian, Shea, and Trevor.

Bootsie will be greatly missed.

She has fought the good fight, 

She has finished the race, 

She has kept the faith. 

Henceforth, there is laid up for her a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge has awarded to her ... and not only to her, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

           —from 2 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV

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