Tribute from Lotti and the Swiss Ladies

Ruth and I met nearly 30 years ago at Bible class and we developed a wonderful lasting and happy friendship.

We were part of the Swiss Ladies group, the Frauenverein, and Ruth was our inspirational and encouraging organiser. My quiet ordinary life became much richer for knowing Ruth.

But one thing that went without saying was that the family always came first and that fun with each other always took place after time with the family.

I remember our first overnight trip that Ruth organised. It was to Winchester for a Christmas Fair. Ruth drove us there. It was very cold, but the sun shone the whole time. We stayed in a stately hotel and the town was festively decorated in Christmas cheer. We talked about our childhood and lives and when darkness approached we sat and listened to evening song in the church. It was magical and heavenly. Back at the hotel we finished our extraordinary day with cocktails and compared who had the nicest and best one. We laughed so much together.

Ruth has left us with so many wonderful memories, too many to list.

Ruth was a perfectionist in everything she did. She did amazing flower arranging for special occasions at the Swiss Church which always looked stunning and professional. Her garden, back and front was in constant bloom and admired by all. Her baking and cooking were always mouth-watering and beautifully presented. She always selected Christmas and special occasion cards with great care and thoughtfulness.

Ruth had spells of bad health, but it never stopped her from enjoying her life and living it to the beset she could with the people she loved and who loved her. Ruth was a true inspiration for all of us and she was a person we all admired greatly.

We will miss her so very much.

Rest in peace Dear Ruth.