Ruth Carol Melzer

Ruth grew up in Chicago, Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1942. She met her husband, William Melzer, while both attended the University. They were married for 59 years. They raised their family in Northbrook, Illinois. Ruth put her energy into many local volunteer organizations. She served as President of the Parent Teacher Association, Northbrook Service Club, and Northbrook Garden Club. Ruth and Bill moved to downtown Chicago in 1973 where Ruth served as President of both The Chicago Farmers and Women of the Rotary. She was also a board member of the Chicago Arthritis Association.

In 1985 Ruth and Bill moved to Savannah, Georgia where they enjoyed retirement and Southern living. Ruth's volunteer activities included the Savannah Symphony, PEO, and her church. Ruth and Bill spent summers in Door County, Wisconsin. She was active with Birch Creek Music Center, and she served on the board of the Door County Memorial Hospital Association.

In 1999, the Melzers moved to Houston to be near their daughter Polly and her family. Ruth loved her new home and enjoyed being in a large city again. Ruth was a member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church and joined a PEO chapter. Ruth’s passion for cooking, leadership, and sociable nature lead her to entertain frequently wherever she resided.

Ruth is pre-deceased by her husband, William. She is survived by her twin brother, Robert Starck, of Arlington Heights, Illinois and his wife, Mary Jane; daughter, Carol Fosse and her husband, Kerry, of Omaha, Nebraska; son, Craig Melzer and his wife, Joan, of Dixon, Illinois; daughter, Polly Bowden and her husband, Murry, of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Paul and Mary Melzer, Brandt and Jeb Bowden; 5 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Gib Gibson.

Ruth’s family is grateful for the tremendous care provided by Linda Charles, Dorothy Scott, and Greer West during the final years of her life.

A memorial service is to be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 26th of May, at The Buckingham, 8550 Woodway Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception, also at The Buckingham.

In August, a concert to celebrate Ruth’s life will be conducted at the Birch Creek Music Center in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Ruth may be directed to Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay, Houston,TX, 77024; or to the Birch Creek Music Center, P.O. Box 230, Egg Harbor, WI, 54209.