Ruth Werder

Ruth Louise Werder, 91, of Charlotte passed away peacefully on December 12, 2012. Ruth was born in Syracuse, NY on February 28, 1921 to Julius and Louise Guignard, formerly of Switzerland. As a young woman, Ruth worked with her siblings at Guignard Florist in North Syracuse, the family landscaping, greenhouse and floral business. Ruth graduated with a degree in Physical Education from Cortland State University and taught Health and Phys Ed at Holly and Whitesboro until she married Robert Werder upon his return from WWII. Later, with five young children, she earned a Master’s Degree from Syracuse University in Library Science, going on to serve as the head librarian at Liverpool Central School. Over the years, they resided in Beaver Falls, Sherborne, Little Falls, Lafayette and Liverpool, New York and spent winters in Stuart, FL. For the last decade, Ruth lived happily in North Carolina near her son, Bruce, where she proudly followed the growth, education and accomplishments of her 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Most recently, as a resident of Brookdale in Charlotte, she enjoyed their library and floral care for the other residents.

Ruth’s strong faith was foremost in her life with scripture, music and hymns as her constant companion. She served as both organist and choir member for many years. Her joys in life included summers in the Adirondack Mountains, trips to Switzerland, a lifelong love of writing but most of all, she cherished her family, especially her grandchildren.

Ruth was welcomed into heaven by her beloved husband of 56 years, Robert and daughter, Debbie.

She is survived by four children; Mark (Abbey) Werder of MI, Elizabeth (Marc) Tanguay of VT, Bruce (Marlena) Werder of Charlotte and Mary (Michael) Wands of NC; eight grandchildren; twins, Sam and Molly; Gabriel, Adam, Emily, Caleb, Ryan and Colleen; five great-grandchildren; Cassidy, Finley, Maxwell, Augustus and Elijah; brothers, Louis Guignard and Julius Guignard and sisters; Katherine Kraushaar and Esther Mertz.

A memorial service will be held on January 12, 2013 at 12:00 noon followed by a reception at McEwen Funeral Service 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth’s honor to Southeastern Guide Dogs GuideDogs.org and CanineSavings.org/Inspire. Please visit Ruth’s online memorial at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com