Ruth B. Baker

A life-long Clevelander, Ruth was born in and grew up primarily in Cleveland Heights, graduating from Heights High School in 1948 with her best friend, Blossom Newman, nee Baker (z’’l). Following in her mother’s footsteps, Ruth received her nursing degree shortly thereafter from Mount Sinai, and in 1953, married Blossom’s brother, Samuel B. Baker (z’’l), who was the love of her life for 36 years. Together Ruth and Sam proudly raised three boys, Daniel (Beverly Brand) of Minneapolis, Scott of Los Angeles and David (Karen Goldfinger) of Pepper Pike. Sadly in 1989 Sam lost his fight with renal cell carcinoma at only 59 years old.

Pursuing her passion for nursing and helping people in her community, Ruth returned to school in 1965 and earned a dual bachelor’s degree in nursing and sociology at Case Western Reserve University. She worked as a hospital-based home health care nurse for at-risk communities through The Visiting Nurse Association, and in the spinal cord injury department of the Cleveland VA Medical Center.

Always up for an adventure and combined with effort to stay connected to friends and family, Ruth traveled regularly with her nursing school classmates to explore cities in the US and occasionally abroad, eventually scaling down to meeting every Thursday at the Cleveland Museum of Art. They were affectionately known to everyone at the Museum as The Nurses.

Ruth supported all the arts in Cleveland and frequented the Cleveland Playhouse, Playhouse Square, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and often went to the Opera via “The Opera Bus.” This is where Ruth met the second love of her life, Jordan Wexler, who was a formidable partner in their never-ending travels and adventures.

Ruth valued living an enriched life filled with learning, fun, devotion to family and firm commitment to Judaism and the State of Israel. She was active in the Sisterhood at Park Synagogue, where she was a member for over 60 years, and where she became a Bat Mitzvah in her 70’s.

Ruth was the cherished daughter of Samuel and Sarah Blondes, sister of Leonard Blondes, (z’’l), (Shelly), grandmother of Stuart (Amanda), Kimberly (fiancée Seth Schramm), Samuel (Grace Stern), and Gabriel (Hadass Galili), and great-grandmother of Soren and Ivan, and friend whose warmth, wisdom and humor touched her many friends.

Ruth took great pride in sharing her values, heritage, and precious belongings with her progeny – typically accompanied by an index card with a detailed explanation.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 12:00pm at the Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118, located very near Ruth’s childhood home. To view this service, please scroll to the Services section and click on "JOIN LIVESTREAM".

The service will be followed by interment at Zion Memorial Park, 5461 Northfield Rd., Bedford Heights, OH 44146.

Shiva will be observed on June 14 and June 15, 2026, at the home of David and Karen Baker, 30951 Fox Hollow Drive, Pepper Pike, OH 44124, Sunday following interment until 7:00pm, and on Monday from 2:00pm until 5:00pm and from 7:00pm until 9:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of Ruth’s commitment to Israel and support of the Arts, the family suggests donations to The Samuel B. Baker Scholarship for Israeli Students at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

May her memory be for a blessing.