Ruth Young Hyman

Ruth’s life was filled with art and music. She graduated with a BFA from Washington University’s School of Art in 1947, and then went to work as a commercial artist at Sears.

In 1949, she married Herbert Hyman, initiating a life of fun-filled trips, family events, and musical performances. While Herb played swing guitar, Ruth would sing. Ruth loved entertaining and planned great parties that included jam sessions with family and friends. She became known for her flashy rendition of “Bei Mir Bistu Shein.” Herb passed away in 2013, a month before they would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Ruth used to say that she was “young” (her maiden name) before she married Herb. Humor was one of her passions!

While Ruth and Herb’s three children were growing up, Ruth was a freelance commercial artist. She also volunteered as a curator at Craft Alliance. She later co-developed and delivered a course about women artists for the Lifelong Learning Institute. In 2006, at the age of 80, Ruth painted a butterfly mural for a branch of BJC Home Care Services that focused on support for children with cancer.

Ruth’s final residence was the Brentmoor Retirement Community where she made new friends with whom she had fun, shared ideas, and created new memories. She valued her relationships with her sister-like cousins and cousin-like friends. Her days were also brightened by visits with nieces and nephews.

Ruth is survived by her children Wendy Hyman-Fite (Timothy Fite), Lori Diefenbacher (Ron Diefenbacher), and Randy Hyman (Susan Zimmerman), her three grandchildren Rachel Diefenbacher, Erika Mathews (Brian Erickson), and Sóley Hyman, and her two great-grandchildren Aaron Mathews and Riley Mathews.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will take place in the Penthouse of the Brentmoor Retirement Community building at 8600 Delmar in University City, MO 63124 on Monday, June 17, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.