Ruth Z. Ewald

On December 22, 2023, Ruth Zimmerman Ewald passed away peacefully in her sleep in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was 98 years old. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Linda, of Knoxville, and her son, Steven, of Newington, Connecticut. She was predeceased by her husband, Philip Ewald, of Knoxville, her parents, Elmer and Eleanor Zimmerman of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and her brother, Walter Zimmerman, also of Pittsburgh.

Ruth first worked at Pittsburgh Coke and Iron right after graduating from high school in 1943 during World War II. While working there, Ruth took war-training courses because of the need for chemists and scientists during the war. Because of those courses, Ruth was able to get into Mellon Institute of Industrial Research (now Carnegie Mellon Institute) which was affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh. Ruth worked at Mellon Institute for a Dow Corning fellowship in 1945 doing original research on silicone chemistry. Ruth worked her way through the University of Pittsburgh and graduated in 1951 with a degree in chemistry and botany.

Ruth was lover of nature, and greatly enjoyed hiking throughout her life. After marrying Philip Ewald in 1954 and moving to Knoxville, she joined the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club and became a life member. Ruth was a charter member of the Friends of the Smokies and was active in many conservation groups. She was a longtime member of Second Presbyterian Church of Knoxville.

Burial was private. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 2

p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, Friends of the Smokies, Foothills Land Conservancy or a charity of your choice.