Ruth grew up in Chicago area, in Park Forest, a planned community that had been built for returning GIs. Her parents were both in the navy, and her dad was a pilot in the south pacific. She does sometimes wishes she had asked her dad more about his younger life.

She studied music at the conservatory in Oberlin, and married a hometown guy. He graduated a year before her, and got a job in Cleveland. It was Vietnam time, and he served as a communications technician. His job was waiting when he got returned.

Ruth always loved music, and sang in the volunteer Cleveland Orchestra Chorus for 15 years, while raising their two daughters. As they got older, she wanted to work to help pay for their future education, so she went to CSU to become certified in learning disabilities. She became a learning disabilities tutor, so she was able to work and be home with her girls.

She also continued with her music, both as director of her church Children’ handbell choir and as a paid accompanist for voice lessons. She learned to play the organ at her church, and was later offered a job she loves as the regular Sunday organist.

Her parents were her great influence, attending church every Sunday. She says that for her, Christmas and Easter are not just holidays, but a true opportunity to be the congregation and share her gift of music with everyone.

Ruth started playing piano at 10. As a teenager, she began to accompany the children’s choir, at the suggestion of her piano teacher. Both of her girls started string instruments lessons in 4th grade, playing the violin and viola. One daughter became a music teacher, using the Suzuki method, and the other went into interior design. Her husband is the music appreciator.

Their grandchildren are in the Chicago area, and Ruth is grateful they can watch their recitals on Zoom. Retired as a tutor, Ruth volunteered at a nursing home, thinking she would push wheel chairs and assist residents, but when the activities director , Nadine , discovered her musical abilities, she was asked to play piano instead.

Nadine played violin for several area groups and asked Ruth if she would join her in bringing music to people who would otherwise not be able to enjoy the live music experience.

They perform at Hospice, the Farrell Foundation and at the Westlake Community Services Center.

She would like to be remembered as a loving grandmother, and a kind person, who was always willing to help others.