Ruth Irene Fritz, born on May 12, 1928 in St. Mary's, Elk County, Pennsylvania, was the daughter of Nicholas G. Fritz and Irene Wilhelm.

Ruth was her parents' youngest child. Her siblings were Mary Louise, Irma, Ralph, Richard, and Sophia "Betty." The mother died of liver cancer on June 12, 1931, at the age of 41.

Ruth graduated from Central Catholic High School in St. Marys. Her yearbook entry indicates that she planned to become a nurse.

Ruth married Floyd George Wittman, born in 1927 in Elk County.

The death of Ruth Irene Fritz Wittman occurred on August 1, 1990. She had maintained her Registered Nurse license until the time of her death.

Floyd Wittman died on May 11, 2007. He and Ruth are buried at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, St. Marys, Elk County, Pennsylvania. Her parents are buried there, as well.