Ruth Martin Rombauer Sundberg

Ruth Sundberg was an active woman with a colorful palette of experiences rich in cultural exposure around the globe. She could be outspoken at times when it came to things she felt passionate about and it was in this spirit, that she shared her love for art with numerous students, touching their lives in a special way. Ruth was a talented artist herself who tenderly cared for her family as well.

The 1920s were a time in which our nation was enjoying peace and prosperity that paved the way for the birth of a variety of artistic movements within the culture of America. Also enjoying this exciting time, were Frederick and Etelka (Rombauer) Martin, of St. Louis, Missouri, who were eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. They were indeed blessed on February 6, 1921, with the healthy birth of their daughter, Ruth. When Ruth’s brother, Theodore, arrived four years later, the Martin family was complete and both Ruth and her brother were raised primarily by their mother who was a homemaker while their father worked. Their father was a commercial realtor with an entrepreneurial spirit who started a real estate firm in St. Louis that continues to thrive.

During her childhood years, Ruth lived in the family home in the St. Louis area and attended John Burroughs School where she became a graduate, in 1939. It was also during her formative years that Ruth developed a passion for art that would follow her throughout her entire lifetime. She additionally rode horses and did some modeling when time allowed. Tragedy struck early in Ruth’s life with the death of her mother when Ruth was near the end on her teen years. She was blessed to have a gifted family member who taught Ruth culinary skills that were invaluable to her. Her aunt, Irma Rombauer, is the author of the well-known cookbook, The Joy of Cooking, one of the United States' most-published cookbooks with more than 18 million copies sold. Irma not only taught Ruth cooking skills, but about entertaining as well.

After graduating from high school, Ruth went to Washington University in St. Louis where she studied art and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. Ruth then satiated her more adventurous side and traveled throughout Europe, most prominently in the Netherlands and in Paris, where she met her future husband, Harold Sundberg. While she was in Paris she took a variety of art classes and established herself as a gifted artist, especially in creating watercolor and chalk pieces. During her time here, her relationship with Harold continued to grow and after dating for a time, they were married in, 1954. The couple was later blessed with the births of two sons, Chris, in 1957, and Andy, in 1960.

While raising their boys, Ruth and Harold moved around quite often, moving 10 times in 20 years. These moves spurred the long-standing joke that Ruth should have been a part-time realtor! When they were living in Peoria, Illinois, Ruth worked part-time and was also actively involved in raising their boys. Although her marriage to Harold ended in divorce in 1977, her boys were always a delightful outcome of their union.

Ruth was truly one-of-a-kind with unique facets of her personality that her family and friends cherished about her. She was never one to be still for very long as she loved playing golf and tennis, and going to the beach as well. Ruth played bridge in various leagues and had a soft spot for dogs. Ruth was an advocate for the under privileged and for woman’s rights. She enjoyed engaging others in a spirited political debate as often as she could. She was often seen sporting a button that read “A woman’s place is in the House, and in the Senate.”

It was a bit of a personal quest for Ruth that she helped ignite a love for the arts in young people, becoming active in the programs that strive to achieve this same mission. One of her special interests was sharing her appreciation for African art. She was a big supporter of the “Art Goes to School” program, an outreach program in many communities in which volunteers participate in local schools, sharing pieces of art and education about a variety of artists. Ruth was active in this program as well as she helped with funding and grants and also coordinated the volunteer programs. Ruth was the Art Education Coordinator for the Art Center of Battle Creek and also for the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph. Ruth’s personal talent extended into the world of music as well as she played beautiful music on her baby grand piano. George Shearing, was a British jazz pianist who had a popular jazz group during the 1950s, was a personal friend of Ruth’s and played for her at her home.

Life became more difficult for Ruth when she began showing signs of chronic illness around 2003. She faced her new challenge with continued finesse, however, as she never stopped drawing, never complained, and always wore a smile. Ruth continued to delight in her family too; her family, especially her grandsons, were her greatest pride and joy and she continued to find happiness when she was surrounded by her loving family.

Ruth Sundberg lived a vibrant life full of achievements and milestones and faced everything she did with her compassionate heart and warm smile. She had a great sense of humor that she loved sharing with others and her volunteer efforts with programs aimed at bringing art to life within local school districts impacted the lives of numerous young students and budding artists. Ruth leaves behind diverse artistic works and memories that her loved ones will forever treasure. She will be deeply missed.

Ruth Sundberg died on June 5, 2009 in Parchment. Ruth’s family includes her sons: Chris (Nancy) Sundberg; Andy Sundberg (Susan Wolfert); grandsons: Eric and Tim Sundberg; former husband, Harold Sundberg; and sister-in-law, Frances Martin and her family. Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, Theodore Martin. Funeral services will be held Friday, 11:00 a.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes – Kalamazoo, MI; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900 followed by a luncheon in the Life Story Center. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial contribution to Sue’s Loving Care or an educational/scholarship donation to the Art Center of Battle Creek or The Krasl Art Center in St Joseph.