Ruth Kuntz

Lora Ruth Kuntz, 66, passed away on Monday, February 11 at her home in Alexandria, Va. She was born September 14, 1946 in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, where her father supervised a special project for Armour Research, Chicago. She spent most of her childhood in Northern Virginia and graduated from J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church.

Ruth put to good use her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Madison College, Harrisonburg, Va., and Master’s degree in Education from George Mason University, Fairfax, Va. Her career began at Shrevewood, Elementary School, Falls Church, Va., where she taught second grade. After taking an extended break to raise her own children, she returned to teach first-grade at Stratford Landing Elementary School in Alexandria, Va. She retired after 28 years of service with Fairfax County in 2012. Ruth was one of those rare teachers who received letters from former students thanking her for improving their lives decades after they last entered her classroom.

She is survived by her husband, Frederic K. Kuntz; three sons and daughters-in-law, Steven (Sasha) Kuntz of Haymarket, Va., Andrew (Kristin) Kuntz of Philadelphia, Pa., and Jonathan (Margaret) Kuntz of Eagle River, Alaska; five grandchildren, Cole, Casie and Chase (Steve and Sasha’s children) and Ashley and Kaitlyn (Andy and Kristin’s children); and a brother, Walter Jay Armstrong of Richmond, Va. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter J. and Lora Nell (Mahr) Armstrong.

Ruth will be remembered fondly by many people, both inside and outside the family, for her unparalleled graciousness, her cheerful nature, and her quiet determination as an advocate for others.

To honor her legacy, “Ruth’s Readers” has been established to fund and benefit Elementary School Classrooms K-2 grades by providing books for the classrooms. Contributions can be made to Bush Hill Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund at 4916 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310. Please designate “Ruth’s Readers” in the MEMO line.