Ruth Emily Widmer

November 1933 - February 2022 - Age 88

Ruth Widmer died February 11th, 2022. She was a lifelong resident of Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Ruth was born in Washington DC, the only child of Fred and Ruth Widmer, first generation immigrants from Arbon Switzerland; …located on Lake Constance - der Bodensee - where many of her relatives still reside. Bootsie's childhood was spent in the Somerset area of Bethesda, and she attended elementary school there. About 1945 the family moved to Colston Drive in Chevy Chase.

An alumnus of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (1951), she studied at and graduated from Stephens College, a private women's college in Columbia, Missouri, and later attended the University of Maryland, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1956.

Ruth trail-blazed quite a life of glamour, excitement, travel, professional and family success, and leaves an impressive legacy for others to follow. She smashed right through the glass ceiling early on in her brilliant career with Julius Garfinckel's Department Store, which began in the late 1950s. Ruth rapidly established herself as a fashion maven, and was promoted to senior fashion buyer, with a 5th floor office in the prestigious Garfinckel's flagship store at 1401 F Street, NW, Washington DC. She traveled the world, contracting for garments production, and negotiating supply chain arrangements for this legendary institution - for the trendiest apparel, and extraordinary customer service; ...embracing the pinnacle of Washington's social life.

Later she became a Regional Manager for Allied Stores; …overseeing the operations of the Garfinckel's stores in Washington DC, Spring Valley Maryland, Tysons Corner, and Seven Corners Virginia.

Ruth was exceptionally generous in caring for others, and frequently helped out when others would not. She loved children, and especially enjoyed their holiday visits at Halloween Trick or Treating, at Christmas, and Easter. Her cats and dogs were treated as royalty.

Bootsie never missed working the daily New York Times crossword puzzle, and maintained her lovely home and gardens on Colston Drive; …with special attention her crocuses, tulips, daffodils, hydrangeas, impatiens, flowering camellias, and crepe myrtles.

Ruth had no children, but is survived by many friends, neighbors, and her extended adopted family, who will remember her with great fondness. Members of the Stuart family, originally from Bethesda, considered Bootsie a steadfast sibling. They are Ann Colliver of Frederick MD, Lynn Towle of Williamsport MD, Leander Stuart of Emmaus PA, Christopher Stuart - living in Italy, Jeffrey Stuart of Gaithersburg MD, and James Stuart of Austin TX; …as well as her devoted Goddaughter, Melanie Walser Reeves, of Georgetown DC.

Arrangements are being made through Gawler’s Funeral Home. A memorial event will be planned for this spring, …all at the pre-planned direction of Bootsie herself, as you would expect.

She lived through a great time in history, and made the most of it, with the greatest compassion. Who could ask for anything more?

The family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to Children's National Hospital.