Ruth Marie Gerlitz

GERLITZ, BUEHLER, SMITH, CHANG

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 5/22/2009 at 16:55:12

Ruth Marie Gerlitz, went home to her Lord on Friday, September 19, 2008 surrounded by her family’s love.

She was born in June 17, 1916, in Brooklyn, New York to Marie Buehler and Paul Smith. Ruth, an only child, was married October 18, 1942 to Theodore (Ted) Gerlitz one of 12 children. They had three children and Ted predeceased her on June 23, 1985.

Ruth lived most of her life in Brooklyn New York and worked as a school aide while raising her family. She loved to read, do jigsaw puzzles, knit and crochet. She was an active member of the Lutheran Church she belonged to in Brooklyn and to Zion Lutheran Church in Iowa City. When there was a need she was always quick to make a meal, bake a cake or to help out in any way she could. In the last few years she has been active in knitting prayer shawls and filling bags of food for Kids Against Hunger.

She came to Iowa City almost 6 years ago to live close to her daughter. She had never thought she would leave her beloved Brooklyn, but came to enjoy her time in Iowa until her recent stroke.

Ruth is survived by her children: Judith (Judy) Gerlitz (Phyllis Chang), Wayne Gerlitz (Terri), and Gary Gerlitz (Toni). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Matthew (Abby), Jared, Melissa, Sara, Amanda Gerlitz and Meleah Chang and her great-grandchild Brayden Gerlitz.