Ruth I. Hamlin
Ruth Hamlin went home on October 5, 2013 at the age of 84. Her final days on this earth were spent in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family in Fenton, Missouri.
Ruth was born July 15, 1929 to Joseph and Florence Irwin (Moeller) in St. Louis Missouri. She moved to Springfield, Illinois after the passing of her father to live with her Grandfather, Israel A. Irwin (Irwin). As an only child, her two cousins, the daughters of her mother’s sister Irene Schmitz (Harry), Jewel Croak (John) and Arlene Harley (Doug), became like sister’s and were her biggest confidants of Ruth. She is now home with them again.
At the age of 12 her mother married Carl Becker of Springfield, Illinois and became the step-sister of Robert Becker and Carl Becker. The family eventually built a home on Lake Springfield where she could tell many wonderful stories of her high school days with friends and family. Her love of water and swimming could be seen the rest of her life as she felt most relaxed near any body of water.
She graduated from Springfield High School in 1947 where next to her picture it said “One of Springfield’s most beautiful girls, Ruth lead a steady pace all through school and played the field thoroughly.” She was a member of Student Council: Student leader, GG, Charter Sub Deb, Beaux Arts Court, and Prom Court. After Graduation she attended Sullins College in Virginia where they said “She came, she saw, she conquered our hearts with her own Yankee personality. A pleasant disposition and a pretty face plus a will and cooperative spirit combine to make Ruth one of our favorites”. After leaving in 1949 with a 2 year General Certificate, she returned to Springfield Illinois to pursue her education as an X-ray Technician.
After a short employment at the Saint John’s Hospital in Springfield, Ruth married George W. Hamlin also from Springfield in 1951. Shortly after her wedding, she left home to travel across the ocean to join her husband who was stationed in Augsburg, Germany. There she had wonderful opportunities to travel Europe and learn the art of German cooking from the German ladies she so easily befriended.
Pregnant Ruth returned to the United States and moved to St. Louis and began building a home. Ruth’s family was by far the most important and joyous element of her life. She is survived by her children Carolyn Hamlin, William (Bill) Hamlin (Rhonda), and Robert (Bob) Hamlin. Ruth also took great pride in being a grandmother. She is remembered in life by her ten grandchildren: Robert (Robby) Hamlin, Kyle Hamlin, Adam Hamlin (Ashley), Bree Fyffe, Joanna Hamlin, Chelsea Fyffe, Martin (Marty) Hamlin, Lucas (Luke) Hamlin, Jenna Hamlin. She is also survived by her cousins Jewel’s children John Croak (Cindy), Joan James (Jack) and their children Justin, Jack, Emily and Julie.
As a homemaker Ruth was active in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and her children’s schools, the boys’ sports, Sunday school, and countless other parent activities. She was a great example of a “stay home mom”. In her spare time she also volunteered at the Good Shepard School and was a Pink Lady at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kirkwood. During this time she also enjoyed playing bridge, was active in Kirkwood’s Theatre Guild, was a member of a square dance group, Kirkwood Newcomers Club, many bridge groups, plus was known to be able to plan and throw a party like no other. She was a fabulous seamstress which could be seen in all the drapes she made in her homes, all her daughters dance dresses, and many outfits for herself and family. Family and friends called upon her often for her sewing expertise.
Life wasn’t always easy for Ruth, having had her father, Joseph, pass when she was 8 years old, her step-father, Carl, also passed when she was 27. Then suddenly her mother, Florence, passed on New Year’s Eve while in St. Louis visiting for Christmas when Ruth was only 30. Finally early in the 70’s she divorced and the stay home mom went back to work. Being the strong and spunky women she was she picked herself up and headed back to the field of X-Ray. She retired late in her 70’s from Berland Radiology.
Ruth will be remembered for her love of animals, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, mysteries, vodka martinis, and her devotion to the St. Louis Cardinal Baseball Team. She is truly loved and missed by all of her family and friends. So here is a toast to Ruth on a safe journey home.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held Sunday October 13, 2013 from 1:00-4:00 PM at 130 Timber Meadows Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366. In respect to what she believed…please bring a smile, dress casually or in Cardinal gear, and be ready to celebrate this amazing woman.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.strayrescue.com because you know “I don’t even like animals.”
Carolyn,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a wonderful mom and woman and left a great legacy for all of you.
Ree.
Carolyn,
My sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with
you.
What a remarkable woman she must have
been.
With each new day may peace find a place in
your heart.
Luane
Carolyn – Greg and I were so sorry to hear about your mother. The obituary was beautiful… She sounded like an amazing women. Please let us know if you need anything.
Carolyn, my heart goes out to you and your family on your mother’s passing. No more pain for Ruth and at home with her family and friends of yesteryear.
To Bill, Carolyn, Bob, and my beautiful niece and nephew (Joanna & Marty)…I was saddened to hear of Ruth’s passing. In reading this I got to laugh knowing she was always a spunky, vivacious woman. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time.
Hi to all the Hamlin family. I lost contact with Ruth several years ago. I did try calling her but only got her answering service. Left a message.
Ruth and I were very good and close friends for years. We were neighbors and Ruth took me under her wing to help me get situated in Kirkwood.
My love to you all, Chris
No more walking the treadmill. She’ll be the perfect size and happy with Jesus. What little I knew of your mom was fun, she was a fun lady and of course raised a beautiful daughter and grandchildren. I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss seeing her but you have a lot of beautiful memories. Youre a strong woman like she was, so I know God will take care of you, With all my love, Pat
we loved Ruth and had many a wonderful time with her and family, form the lake in Cuba to all the joyful thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays, she will be missed always
Carolyn, Bill and Bob,
So sad to hear this. I have great memories of you all and your Mom. Especially in the years after 1972 and swimming in your pool.
Hope you are all well, Joe
Bob, Bill and Carolyn,
I miss all of you and news like this
just breaks my heart! I will always
rememeber your mom for everything
She did, from the times at the Lake or
being down on the Big river. If I can
do anything, Please call.
Jim.
Carolyn,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing–what an amazing life!
I am always here shoud you need anything or want to chat.
My sympathies to you and your family.
Gail
You take care. Thinking of you and your family. Love you. Velma
Carolyn,
She fought a good fight and was blessed to have you there. We know they are celebrating their new life and no longer have the pains and burdens of this life. I know the hole in your heart is immense. I pray God with give you comfort and strength.
Love,
Regina
Carolyn,
What a great tribute to your Mother. I enjoyed reading about her. She sounds like a woman I would’ve enjoyed knowing. So sorry for your loss.
Linda
Carolyn , Bree and Chelsie,
My heart goes out to all of you for your loss of Ruth, I loved her, she was such a fun and interesting lady and I will miss her so much. I enjoyed talking with her and she was always a attentive listener to my silly stories. Thank you for the wonderful obituary, she was one of a kind and a joy to know. She will always be in my thoughts.
Jodi
I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I worked with her at Berland. She was a hard worker, and quite the character. She was so proud of all of you.
Carolyn, Bill and Bob,
I will miss your Mom a lot. She became like a sister to me. I always enjoyed the times she got to visit with Bill, Rhonda and family, here in the Kansas City area.
I know she is with our heavenly father.
I wish I could have visited more often with her – time is short.
My heartfelt love goes out to all of you. May God bless each and everyone of you!
I’m so sorry for the sudden loss of your wonderful Mom. I just heard, as I was out of town.
May you draw strength from your treasure trove of memories. Lean on us – your other family. We are all here for you.
I’m sure Mom was very, very proud of you. I know for one, I’m proud of how you cared for your Mom.
We love you kiddo! God’s Blessings to you and all your family.