Dr. Ruth Rasco Stiehl

Dr. Ruth Rasco Stiehl went to her heavenly reward after a brief illness on April 26, 2024. Ruth was born on Halloween 1939 to Dean Russell A. Rasco and Beatrice Tanner Rasco in Miami, Florida. Her grandfather, Richmond A. Rasco, was the founding dean of the University of Miami (UM) School of Law. Her father was the longest serving dean of the law school to this day. Ruth had an idyllic childhood growing up in, “The City Beautiful” Coral Gables, Florida. Ruth graduated from Coral Gables High School in 1957. She continued her education at the UM School of Nursing where she graduated with honors in 1961. While at UM she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She was an active nurse for 63 years. Ruth earned a master’s and doctorate degree from the University of South Florida and a second master’s degree from the University of Florida. 

Ironically, her favorite college football team was the Florida State Seminoles. Her son Eric was a three-time letterman for Coach Bobby Bowden.

Ruth met the love of her life, Paul Andrew Stiehl, while attending UM. They were married in June 1959. Their marriage spanned nearly 65 years, and they had four children. In August of 1960, they had a son, Mark Russell and shortly thereafter in September 1961, a daughter, Kristin Grace. Tragically they lost a son, John Andrew, in August of 1963. In August 1965, Eric Paul completed the family.

Ruth worked in various hospitals while following Paul in his career as a corporate executive. Ruth was featured on national television as one of the country’s first dialysis nurses while employed at Tampa General Hospital. After completing her PhD, she worked for the Florida State Board of Nursing. She was then chosen by Jacksonville University President, Fran Kinne, to start the JU School of Nursing in partnership with Baptist Hospital. Many of the nurses who cared for her during her illness were JU graduates. Next, Ruth became the Executive Director of the Florida State Board of Nursing. She also worked with PPR Talent Management, a nurse placement company, and at the time of her illness she was employed by Hueman People Solutions, as a writer and editor. Ruth leaves an amazing legacy as a nurse educator in Jacksonville.

Dr. Ruth moved to Neptune Beach nearly half a century ago. She loved watching her children playing sports for Fletcher High School. She was a woman of many hobbies, but some of her favorites were: running, tennis, singing, dominoes, fishing, traveling, as well as being a gourmet cook. She was a devoted member of the First Christian Church of the Beaches. Ruth sang in the choir and frequently performed solos. She was an elder and cooked Wednesday night meals for many years. She loved serving the Lord through her church.

Ruth has been described by many as passionate, fearless, dynamic, intelligent, optimistic, spiritual, kind, generous, loving and a caring person.

Waiting for her in heaven were her parents, Russell “Bus” and Bea Rasco; her sister, Jean; and two of her children, Kris and John Stiehl. Ruth is survived by her husband Paul; sons, Mark (Janie), Eric (Lois); as well as her brother, Austin (Suzanne). She has eight grandchildren, Amanda, Byron (Lindsey), Barbara (Nick), Tanner (Chrissie), Ashlin (Ben), Shelby Jewell, Rhett, and Wyatt. Last, but not least are her wonderful great grandchildren, Hunter, Scarlett, Russell, Austin, Andrew, and Henry.

It was Ruth’s request that there be absolutely no dark clothing at her service. She wants everyone to celebrate her amazing life, as she is now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5^th at Quinn Shalz Funeral Home, 3600 Third Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 6^th at her beloved church, First Christian Church of the Beaches, 2125 Seagate Avenue, Neptune Beach, FL 32266.

In lieu of flowers you may choose to donate to the Ruth R. Stiehl/PPR TMG Endowed Nursing Scholarship for Clinical Excellence at the University of North Florida. The link is unf.edu/give, select “other” in the drop-down box, and input the name of the endowment.

The influence of Dr. Ruth Stiehl’s life will ripple through the community and her family for many, many years.