Ruth Goldstein

Ruth was born on March 3, 1917, to the late Anton Singer and Helena Singer. In addition to her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her beloved brothers Joe and Emery, her sister Irene Deustch, and her husband Sanford Goldstein (the love of her life). Her survivors include her sons Dale (Ellie) and Gary (Marian); her five grandchildren Amy Filbrun (Dave Filbrun), Scott, Kelly (Chris DiLiberto), Jason, and Ryan; and her six great-grandchildren Tricia Filbrun, Emily Filbrun, Safiya Khan-Goldstein, Hoopie Khan-Goldstein, Eliana DiLiberto, and Talia DiLiberto. Ruth also had many dear relatives and friends, including Howard Berlas, executive director of Schnurmann House, where she lived for over 40 years until her passing.

Ruth was a truly remarkable and inspiring woman. An accomplished baker and fabulous cook, her family and friends clamored for her kreplach, farfel, borscht, and other Jewish soul food. Despite being legally blind since the age of 32, she was an avid reader and an expert card player, slot machine lover, and horse race fan, known for her legendary trash-talking during competitive games with three generations of kids. She was also a relentless optimist for Cleveland’s sports teams – especially the Guardians – and was hopeful that this might be the season they finally return to championship glory.

Despite living until age 107, Ruth was wise beyond her years. She explained how her marriage remained strong because she and her husband never went to bed angry. Politically active during her latter decades, she was an early supporter of Barack Obama and twice cheered him to victory. She also gleefully voted Trump out of office.

In the face of the hardships of losing her vision and, later, her husband, she demonstrated unusual resilience and strength. She forged many amazing friendships at Schnurmann House and through her lunch group with the JCC. These people became her second family, even as she outlived most of her friends. With a strong heart and a keen mind, she was determined to live as independently as possible. Ruth maintained her apartment until her final days with her son Dale's support.

Funeral services for Ruth will be held at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 10 AM.

To view this service at 10 AM on Thursday please navigate to the Services section below and click on "JOIN LIVESTREAM."

Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery, 27855 Aurora Rd, Solon, Ohio 44139.

Following interment, the family will receive friends Thursday following burial until 3 PM and again 6 to 8 PM, and Friday from 1 to 3 PM in the Schnurmann House Social Center, 1229 Drury Ct, Mayfield Hts, OH 44124.

Contributions are suggested to Schnurmann House or to Temple Israel Ner Tamid.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.bkbmc.com for the Goldstein family.