Obituary of Ruth Hartmann

Ruth Capen Hartmann of Southbury, age 99, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2019 at Pomperaug Woods after a long struggle with dementia.   Ruth was born on March 26, 1920 in East Orange, NJ to the late Charles H. and Ruth Crowell Capen. She was the beloved wife to the late William Hartmann who predeceased her in 2002.

After graduating from West Orange High School, Ruth obtained a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition from Mary Washington College, and worked as a dietician for Beech-Nut Baby Foods Company until the birth of her first child.  Healthy eating was always an important aspect of Ruth's life, as demonstrated by the homemade meals she cooked for her family (and extended family on Sundays), the many loaves of bread that she baked, and the talks that she gave on good nutrition. Ruth was a member of the Green Knoll Golf League, and enjoyed playing golf twice a week. She loved gardening, sewing clothes for herself and family, and spending summers boating and swimming at her favorite place, Green Pond, NJ.  Ruth was a strong leader in her community and was actively involved with the Girl Scouts of America, American Field Service working with foreign exchange students, and was a member of the American Association of University Women.

Ruth will be sadly missed by her daughters Christine Schmelzer and her husband Henry of Aurora, CO and Janet Johnson and her husband Paul of Morris; her 3 grandchildren Erika Schmelzer, Adam Schmelzer and Eleanor Johnson; and cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was also predeceased by her sister Elizabeth O'Donnell.

Ruth's family wishes to express their gratitude for the excellent and loving care given to her by the staff at Pomperaug Woods in Southbury, Bright Star Care of Southbury, Season's Hospice of Middlebury and Vitas HealthCare of Middlebury.

A Memorial Service will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Junction Road in Brookfield, on Saturday May 18^th at 11 am. Burial will follow in the Prince of Peace Cemetery.  Calling Hours will be held at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White St, Danbury on Friday May 17^th from 5-7 pm.