Ruth Bornemann was born in a borough of New York.  Her parents, Hans and Juliana, had emigrated from Germany and joined their cousins in settling around the Bronx and Queens.  As an only child, Ruth was raised with close cousins and forged close friendships at school and at home that would remain dear to her for the rest of her life.  After high school, Ruth ventured into Manhattan and began to work at Gimbles.   She married her high school sweetheart, Ray Dehler, and moved to Forest Hills.   Ruth was so full of life - she enjoyed spending time with family; dancing with friends at Supper Clubs in the grander times of NYC; and gained a keen eye for fine arts and antiques.

Ruth was an endearing companion and caregiver to both of her parents.   In later years, her parents moved from NYC to Saugerties, NY - to a country home that reminded them both of their beloved Germany.  And it was to this home, after Ruth's mother passed in 1990, that Ruth would move to begin the next chapter of her very interesting life.  

Ruth loved all things nature, animals and outdoors. Some of her favorite activities were driving and walking through the Catskills and Hudson Valley - visiting stately mansions and antique shops.  Ruth was always one to "stop and smell the roses".  She saw interesting sights along her travels - and would be the one to pull off the road to pick some bittersweet or flowers.   She was very giving to others and her hand painted gifts were always reflective, carefully detailed and are much cherished by those closest to her.   

Ruth was a very good artist - her paintings of her dogs and nature scenes show her love of the subject and her finesse for retaining vivid detail.  Ruth translated these skills to cards, gift wrapping, and table settings over the years - and many of us have treasured momentos in her calligraphy.  She could take a simple birthday greeting card and embellish it in such personal ways as to make the receiver feel so special.   At the same time, Ruth was very private and independent - while she loved to bestow on others, she didn't expect the same in kind and shied from the spotlight.

Ruth has traveled extensively across the eastern parts of the US; and also to Germany.  Some of her favorite trips were with her cousin and dear friend Waltraute.  They so enjoyed their travels to see Antoine, Gertrud, Edith, Richard, Monika and a host of other relatives in Cologne and Neckarsulm.  

In later years, Ruthie became a fixture in Woodstock, NY.  She cherished her many friends and time working in local shops and supporting various clubs/causes.  Ever the independent woman, Ruth continued to maintain her country home and enjoyed her art projects, magazines and antiques throughout her final years.

Even at the end, Ruth did things on her own terms, in a quiet unassuming way - she passed on a crisp fall day, suffering a quick and fatal heart attack in her family home just two days shy of her 80th birthday.  Ruth was a very faithful person - and she was laid to rest with her parents in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, on a beautiful country hillside 2 miles from her home surrounded by the Catskills.  And although, she wouldn't have wanted a fuss or bother, her companionship, friendships and relationships - the imprint she left on so many of us - has led us to memorialize her wonderful, loving life.