Avis de décès de Ruth-Dudde Heck

Ruth Dudde Heck, age 91, wife of the late Rev. George E. Heck, died on September 25, 2007 at home where she was living with family members. Born in New York City on May 21, 1916 to the Rev. John and Christine Dudde, Ruth attended schools in Liverpool, NY. She graduated from Wittenberg University and was awarded a Master's Degree by Columbia University in 1970. Ruth married Rev. George E. Heck in 1940. During their 60 years of marriage, they lived in Linden, NJ, Oswego, NY, Rochester, NY, New Rochelle, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Castleton, NY, and Albany, NY. Her last years were spent in Lincoln, VT with her daughter, Susan. Ruth is survived by three children: Susan Oliveau, wife of Dr. Donald Oliveau of Lincoln, VT; George E. Heck, Jr., husband of Alden Heck of Chestnut Hill, PA; and John C. Heck, husband of Meghan Johnston of Castleton-on-Hudson, NY. She is also survived by her sister, Ethel Dudde of Greeley, CO. She was predeceased by her sister, Christina Smith, wife of Dr. Stanley Smith of Manheim, PA on July 14, 2007, and her brother, Rev. William A. Dudde, husband of Rosita Dudde of Arden, NC, on September 15, 2007. Ruth is survived by seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Ruth was a creative teacher, cook, baker, seamstress, and an avid reader. During the 1970s and 1980s, she taught high school English in New Rochelle, NY and in Philadelphia, PA. She designed beautiful flower gardens. She and her husband took scrupulous care of the gardens and houses they shared, hosted family gatherings, and welcomed grandchildren. During the years, she and Rev. Heck lived in Philadelphia. Ruth was an active volunteer for the Morris Arboretum. Throughout her marriage, she worked hard to support her husband's ministry to his congregations. Ruth gave time generously to her grandchildren. She made cookies, special meals, and playthings that were hand sewn, knit, or crocheted for them to enjoy. She was accessible to her grandchildren and patient with them: she played games with them, read stories to them, and worked on projects with them. Ruth created miniature dollhouse furniture and accessories for her own dollhouse and for those of her children and grandchildren. She kept extensive scrapbooks which have created a detailed record of her family's history. In her later years, she was most delighted by visits from her great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at Ruth's daughter, Susan's, home in Lincoln, VT at a time chosen by the family. The family is most grateful to the Addison County Home Health and Hospice team for the superb care it provided for Ruth during the last year of her life. Contributions may be made to the Addison County Home Health and Hospice, Inc., P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, Vermont 05753.