Nina Ruth Ottinger of Nashville, Tennessee

December 2, 1951 - August 24, 2019

Nina Ruth Ottinger, Age 67, passed away peacefully at Alive Hospice Residence, Nashville TN on August 24, 2019. Her last few days were spent with her adored daughter, Sarah Helena, whom as a single mom she adopted from China, and friends who gathered to share stories, laugh and sing of the promises of God through Jesus Christ.

Nina was born in Florence, Alabama to Daniel Joseph and Zelda Jones Ottinger, the youngest of their four children. Her family moved to Nashville TN in 1957 for her mother to teach at David Lipscomb Elementary School. She was a ‘lifer’ at David Lipscomb College (now Lipscomb University), having attended first grade through college, graduating with a major in English. Nina loved education and learning, and went on to graduate with a Masters in Linguistics (French) from Michigan State University, a BSN nursing degree from St. Louis University, and a law degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

She was twice a cancer survivor, once as a student in law school, when Pepperdine students and faculty rallied around her with help and compassion and she graduated on time with her class.

She loved to travel and, beginning as a young woman, traveled to many countries, including France, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Haiti, Italy, China. Many of her travels included humanitarian work. Nina lived a grace-filled life and loved her family, friends, and peoples of the world well. She had been a member of Woodmont Hills Church for 15 years.

Nina is survived by her daughter, Sarah Helena Ottinger, her sister, Sarah (John) Rummage, brother, David (Charlene) Ottinger; nephews, Jay (Shana) Rummage, Joel (Sara) Rummage, and Aaron (Samantha) Rummage, sister-in-law, Joyce S. Ottinger, six great-nieces and two great-nephews all of whom she loved dearly.

She was proceeded in death by her parents and by her brother, Charles F. Ottinger of Cream Ridge, New Jersey.
The family wishes to thank NHC Place at the Trace, Alive Hospice, and dear friends, including Helena, Linda, and Yvonne for their special love and caring during her last illness.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, September 20, 2019 at Woodmont Hills Church, 3710 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37204. Visitation with family, 3-4 p.m., and service to follow at 4:00 p.m. A private family burial to take place at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery, Jasper, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alive Hospice, 1710 Patterson St, Nashville, TN 37203, or Woodmont Hills Church Caring Ministry, 3710 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37204, or a charity of your choice.