When you arrived at Ruth Winterstein’s home, you knew what it felt like to be loved. She was always the first to greet you with that bright smile and the last to wave goodbye from the driveway; making sure you felt her love all the way home.

Ruth Eleanor Winterstein of Venice, FL and formerly of Saginaw, MI— wife, mother, grandmother (aka: Nan, Nanny, Nana Banana) and great grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by family who adored her. She leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and a kindness that felt like sunshine on the hardest days.

Ruth was the beloved wife of Norman Winterstein, the love of her life and partner in all things for 63 years. Together they built a home filled with love and an unshakable bond that everyone could feel the moment they walked in the door.

She was the proud mom of Norman Winterstein Jr. (Marie), Pamela Sue Richman (Larry Dunklee), and Jeffery Allen Winterstein (Tricia); grandma to Cala Nicole Phillips (Ben), Philip James Winterstein, Emily Grace Baldwin (Nehemiah), and Alex Matthew Winterstein; and great-grandma to her two little bright lights, Elliot Ruth Phillips and Charley Alice Phillips.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Thelma (Runnells) Maticka, and her siblings Jeanette Maticka and Thomas (Butch) Maticka, and is survived by her loving siblings Elizabeth (Betsy) Shaw, Barbara Thornton, Bonnie Rivenburg, and David Maticka.

Ruth was known for her kind heart, her joyful laugh, and her famous "zerberts” which she lovingly gave to all of us, even as adults. She had a way of making everyone feel special, whether through her hugs, her teasing sense of humor, or the simple act of standing in the driveway, making sure you knew how loved you were.

She was our strong one, even in her final days — reassuring us all that we would see her again someday in heaven and telling us to “wipe those tears from your face.” She always said her shoulders were wide enough to carry the load, and she meant it. We leaned on her through every low and every joy in life, and she carried us with grace, strength, and unwavering love.

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy — the center of her world and the reason her face lit up the way it did.

Ruth will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. Her love will live on in every laugh shared, every hug given, and every driveway wave goodbye.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at a date TBD in April 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor her memory by sharing a hug, a laugh, or a wave with someone you love — just like she always did and/or a donation to Tidewell Hospice Care Center at Village on the Isle, 910 Tamiami Trail South, Venice, FL 34285 or online by visiting www.tidewellfoundation.org. where the caregivers were so incredibly kind, caring and loving to Ruth as she passed on to her new address in heaven.