Ruth Gruenebaum passed away Dec. 7, 2011, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral services were held Sunday, Dec. 11, at The Louis Memorial Chapel, followed by burial at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Ruth was born in Benisch, Czechoslovakia (Sudetenland) in 1928 to Irma and Kurt Oppenheim, of blessed memory. She lived with her family in this small town for 12 years, where her father owned and operated a renowned liqueur factory that had been founded by his grandfather. Ruth, her sister Ilse, and parents arrived in the United States in 1940 after making a treacherous escape through Holland and waters infested with mines.
Ruth graduated from the University of Cincinnati, College of Applied Arts in 1950. She was also a student of the Cincinnati Art Academy. Ruth spent several years designing and painting backgrounds for displays at the Federated Department Store in downtown Cincinnati. In 1957, the Cincinnati Enquirer praised her water color “Snow Bound” and in l961 her water color “Café,” which were selected for display in two art festivals. Ruth developed incredible talent in various media, including, pastels, enamels and silk. In addition, Ruth wrote many poems; some won awards and were published in local papers.
Ruth married her husband, Herbert, in Cincinnati in 1949 and together they raised three children. Kansas City became their home in 1963. As a stay-at-home mom, Ruth devoted her life to her family, continued her passion for painting and had a booth in the original Plaza Art Fair. Ruth also volunteered her talent to the Jewish Community Center where she was a member of the board. She was an active member of Beth Shalom Sisterhood and a life member of Hadassah and the Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary.
In 1976 her husband Herbert was transferred to USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. They lived in Wheaton, Md. There, she became a member of the Montgomery County Art League and the International Society of Poets and was thanked for her support and participation.
Shortly after Herbert’s retirement in 1993, she and Herbert returned to Kansas City to be near their children and grandchildren. Ruth became a member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah Sisterhood and Brandeis. She continued painting and several were chosen for local art festivals. When her eyesight declined, she changed her style and eventually turned to working with clay at the Heritage Center and Alpha Point. Together Ruth and Herbert enjoyed 62 years of marriage, raising plants and gardening.
Ruth is survived by her beloved husband, Herbert; her children, Dr. Michael Gruenebaum and wife Kristine, Dr. Steven Gruenebaum and wife Louise, and Nancy and husband Jeffrey Lang. She is adored by her six grandchildren, Benjamin Gruenebaum and wife Morgan, Andrew Gruenebaum and wife Lacey, Lauren Gruenebaum, Danielle Gruenebaum, Adam Lang and Brandon Lang. She is also survived by her sister, Ilse Smith, of Endina, Minn., and cousins Edith (Beck) Schreiber of Cincinnati, Ohio, Peter Beck of Bruntal, CSSR, and Dr. Felix Beck of Leicester, England, and their families.
Ruth’s cheerful smile and caring spirit will be missed by all that knew her. Her valiant and brave fight with blindness and cancer are an inspiration. The family suggests donations in her memory be made to The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, the American Cancer Society, Mother’s Against Drunk Driving or the charity of their choice.
Online condolences may be shared at www.louismemorialchapel.com.
Arr: The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.