Ruth Zajdel

Ruth Ann (“Ruthie”) Hopkins Zajdel, 75, passed away Thursday, August 18, 2022, at her residence in Nashville, TN, after more than a year with glioblastoma.

She was born September 29, 1946, in Fredville, KY to the late Harlan and Leora Vanderpool Hopkins. She attended Salyersville High School and graduated in 1964 from the Berea College Foundation School. Ruth earned her bachelor’s degree from Morehead State University in 1968 and her master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1983. She taught at Southeastern High School prior to teaching for several years as a tenured faculty member at Ohio University – Chillicothe. Ruth was a dedicated wife and mother. Family, students, friends, and neighbors knew her for her kindness and generosity. She loved to read and enjoyed spending time with family.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 57 years, John A. Zajdel, as well as sons John H. Zajdel and Dr. Joseph Zajdel, all of Nashville, TN. Also surviving are an older sister, Evelyn Hall of Germantown, OH; an aunt, Phyllis Arnett of Englewood, OH; an aunt, Inez Hopkins of Chelsea, MI; as well as nieces, nephews, and several cousins.

There is no scheduled visitation. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Franklin, TN with the Rev. Tien Tran as celebrant. The Mass will also livestream on bit.ly/smccyoutube at 11:00 a.m. CT (12:00 p.m. EST). Interment is private.