Ruth Stuenckel

On March 21, 2023, Ruth Alber Stuenckel of Savannah, Ga., ended her legendary 94-year journey on Earth. Ruth was born on February 6, 1929 in Egg Harbor City, N.J. Since 1974, she had been married to Elton Stuenckel. The two were devoted to each other.

Family meant so much to Ruth. She adored her three sons. Despite coming from a small family, Ruth always made sure her boys frequently interacted with the relatives they did have. As a mom, Ruth prioritized play. She didn’t mind when her sons pulled every pot and pan out of the kitchen cabinets and onto the floor, as long as they were having fun. She encouraged creativity and curiosity, even if, while making a coffee cake, her sons replaced cinnamon with crab spice. Years later, for her grandkids, Ruth emptied boxes of macaroni onto the kitchen floor for them to play with, and trusted them with antique china for tea parties.

Ruth’s love of children spread to her professional life. She attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va., and received a degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania. As a social worker, Ruth held positions with Children’s Seashore House in Atlantic City, N.J., and the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services.

In 1989, Ruth and Elton moved to Savannah. Shortly after, Ruth became an active member of the choir at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church. She traveled internationally with the choir, singing in cathedrals across Europe. Ruth also traveled to Israel and Jordan with Cape May United Methodist Church, following a longtime membership at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Egg Harbor City, N.J.

Whether abroad or at home, to Ruth, the world was beautiful. As an artist and avid gardener, she painted much of the beauty she saw in nature. Ruth was a member of both the Savannah Art Association and the Garden Club of Savannah. Her artistry extended into the kitchen as well. Ruth will forever be remembered for her mouth-watering fried chicken dinners and celebrated pecan pie.

Another passion of Ruth’s was reading, which she passed to her children and grandchildren, along with her gems of candid wisdom. Every week for more than 20 years, Ruth also read to children at Royce Learning Center at Chatham Academy. Some of her favorite books included the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle series and Angus and the Ducks. To the children’s delight, Ruth brought her dog to the readings. As a lifelong dog owner, Ruth loved her pets.

More than being an avid reader, Ruth was a proponent of learning for learning’s sake. She learned to speak Russian and Arabic to better communicate with and support family members. Ruth even tried – albeit unsuccessfully – to give her sons culture through French and piano lessons. She inspired those around her by sharing her passion for learning and exploring.

Ruth is now at peace in the loving arms of Jesus. She is survived by her husband, Elton Stuenckel; her three sons, Gregg (Angel) Chapman, David (Debra) Chapman and Thomas (Hilda) Chapman; as well as four stepsons, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Ruth on Saturday, April 1 at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, 429 Abercorn St., Savannah, Ga. 31401. A visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. The memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church.

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