Catherine Ruttenberg

Catherine Ruttenberg “Kitty”

Saturday, July 9, 2022, age 100, the precious heart and beautiful light of our sweet mom left this world behind as she transitioned to a place where all pain ceased and her spirit once again was free, no longer limited by her physical vessel.

Kitty was predeceased by her husband, Chester and survived by her four children Jo Meade (Bill), Daymon Ruttenberg (Susan), Kim Ruttenberg (Lynn) and Chelsea Ruttenberg. Also 8 grandchildren as well as 5 great-grandchildren.

Kitty was born in Portsmouth, England and has rejoined her parents Joseph and Dorothy Mitchell along with her siblings Donald, Peter and Josephine, but leaves behind a loving sister Jill Turner and many nieces and nephews.

Mom was part of the greatest generation serving during WWII as a leading WREN in the Women’s Royal English Navy where one of her many responsibilities included taking telegrams to Winston Churchill. Mom was an accomplished knitter which she attributed her proficiency to the blackouts during air raids saying she would knit in the dark to “keep calm and carry on.” Mom was a very resourceful woman throughout life making the best out of every situation exemplified during wartime when working in the officers club they would often say give me a drink and buy yourself one on me. So true to form she would tally up the drinks offered till it equaled a full bottle using them to trade for things she needed. After after losing a fiancé who was hit by flack, her resilient spirit showed again which would become a hallmark throughout her life. She then pushed forward despite her crushing loss and later love found her again resulting in marriage to our father, an American soldier. They left England and were stationed in Germany till the wars end. Her first child was born in Germany and although terrified of water mom set sail alone with a small daughter to America where she knew no one and forged a new life, later joined by her husband. Another example of her indomitable spirit. Kitty was a homemaker but had the heart of a mother fostering numerous babies and children over the years. She loved her garden, animals, tropical fish, but most of all she loved God. When asked what was the key to her long life she replied “prayer, trust in God and love” we would add dark chocolates, hot tea made properly and her famous roast beef with Yorkshire puddings sure didn’t hurt!

You blessed us with an example of deep quiet faith, loyalty to your convictions, integrity in all things and a resiliency throughout life’s many challenges that never left you bitter. A true example of a woman who relied on the power of prayer and faith in God.  Age mellowed this fiercely independent strong minded woman into a gentle wise grace-filled soul who was the embodiment of sweetness. Mom you are loved infinitely and forever.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for all to attend will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care, Robinson Township.

Special thanks to Jim, KK, Linda & Larry, Reni, Terry, Roberto, Kelly and Gracie as well as other loving friends for going the extra mile during mom’s twilight years bringing joy, music, laughter, kindness and assistance.