Ruth Martin Longenecker: A Treasure in an Earthen Vessel
October 4, 1918 – May 14, 2017
Aunt Ruthie: Principal, Rheems Elementary School, about 1975
On Sunday, May 14, we said “Goodbye” to our dear Aunt Ruthie. Appropriately, Ruthie, a mother to many, passed away on Mother’s Day.
Time with a loved one, no matter how long, is never enough. Saying goodbye is never easy. Neither is letting go.
Her family in Florida will fly to Pennsylvania to pay tribute to a life well-lived. Others living close by will join them.
* * *
As I gather my thoughts, lines from scripture come to mind:
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
II Cor. 4:7
Coral-filled, bisque-fired clay vase, Cliff Beaman circa 1970
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15
Other lines from literature:
Lives of great [wo]men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime, and departing leave behind us, footprints on the sand of time. ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow from Psalm of Life
In August 2014 on a knoll at Bossler Mennonite Church cemetery after my mother’s memorial service, Aunt Ruthie looked at the deep azure blue sky. Then she tilted her head higher, noting the puffy clouds and remarked: “I’m going up on the next cloud!”
She didn’t make it on the next, or the next . . . or even the next. But she did finally make it to her eternal home this week. Her ascension, of course, on a puffy cloud to heaven.
We will miss her!
Christmas 2016
Her journey has ended, but another phase of our own has begun. Thus, I will be taking a break from posting here or responding on your websites.
So sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful Aunt Ruthie. I have loved hearing her stories and I’m sure you will be sharing more. I know this was expected but sad nonetheless. Wishing you all the best on your next phase. Sending much love your way.
I feel support from our extended family and friends. Even virtual friends like you seem real to me, especially at this time of both sorrow and rejoicing. Thank you, Darlene.
I’m sorry for your loss. Loved ones aren’t easy to say goodbye too. Take great care of yourself during your break.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
You know well about saying goodbye to family, especially to your beloved. Your warm spirit extends across the “pond” and comforts me now. Hugs back to you, Sir David.
I’m so sorry to hear about this. Though you knew it was coming, it is not easy to face. I know how important she was to you. Through your blog, I feel like I knew your wonderful Aunt Ruthie, too. Wishing you and your family all the best during this time of grief, and sending you love and hugs.
Your comment both comforts me and confirms her influence. Love and hugs appreciated. Thank you, Merril.
Sorry for the loss of your dear Aunt Ruthie. You and your siblings cared for well. She is at home with her Lord.
Oh, Carolyn, thank you for sending prayers and words of comfort from Florida. I miss you, but soon we can renew our connection.
Oh my. On Mother’s Day. You will no doubt forever remember this and all the mothering love she extended to you and so many. We all feel like we knew her too. Yes, take a sabbatical here. I know you’ll be busy and spending time with loved ones. Prayers and blessings.
Thank you for being a comrade on her journey with us and commenting often. You are right about the sabbatica / hiatus / break here, very much needed.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Marian. It’s comforting to know that your Aunt Ruthie will live on in your past and future blog posts. Lovely tribute to her. Praying for you and your family. xo
Sorrow and joy all in one. Thank you for your words of comfort, Jill.
Condolences to you and your family. “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate”. Proverbs 31:31
The text for the meditation at Ruthie’s funeral will also be from Proverbs 31, verse 20: “She stretched out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.” Your quote complements this one perfectly. I appreciate your words of comfort, Lynn.
All sympathy, Marian and family
Thank you, Jack – so appreciated here!
Marian,
My condolences on the lost of your Aunt Ruthie. From your stories I sense a woman of great heart and love for people in her circle of life and especially for her God. May her love continue to hold you and all those who grieve the loss of her presence here.
Aunt Ruthie defines “Great Heart.” We are assembling a small display with her “Salt of the Earth” award for her work with refugees through Lutheran Social Services. She provided shelter and nurture for immigrants from Viet Nam, Bosnia, the Philippines, and the Sudan for at least two decades.
It is consoling to hear your words of comfort. Thank you, Audrey!
Marian, I’m sorry for your loss of your treasured and precious Aunt Ruthie. It’s hard to say goodbye but how wonderful is the hope that you will see her again.
Yes, we have warm memories and sad thoughts these days all mixed with the hope you mention. Thank you, Linda.
I feel that I, too, have lost Aunt Ruthie. Will you, perchance, be at Landis Homes this weekend? I am visiting with Mother tomorrow and taking her to church on Sunday. Would love to see you if that might be possible. If not, here is my virtual hug (()). You have returned the care your Aunt Ruthie gave you in your youth and throughout your life. Well done, niece Marian.
I’ll gladly accept your virtual hug and commendation, Shirley. Ruthie passed away on Sunday evening. As we left Landis Homes last Saturday, a rainy one, a blaze of glory in the sunset sky announced her imminent home-going, accompanied by a rainbow. Since then we have cleaned out her room and will celebrate her life at Bossler Mennonite on Saturday with family and friends, some of whom are Vietnamese.
Someday our schedules will mesh again. In the meantime, treasure your great Barbara Ann. I know you do!
So so so sorry Marian my lovely …how deep your love for her has always shown . I feel I have come to know her after all these years I’ve been reading you blog. May she R.I.P.
Take care my sweet .
Cherryx
Thank you for intuiting my deep feelings for Aunt Ruthie over the years and for acknowledging my need for self-care. Between clearing out her house and spending lots of time with her, my sisters and I need a little rest. Thanks so much, Cherry!
Hugs and deep sympathy to you, my dear. I know you have comforts, but nothing takes away the sadness of a loved one’s departure.
You are so right, Tracy, we know she is in a better place, but she has been a solid pillar in our lives, she is the last of her generation, and her passing will leave a huge void. Thanks so much!
All loving condolences to you and family Marian and all who knew her. She was and will continue to be cherished for her goodness and kindness. I ‘knew’ her through your blogs and she was always an inspiration. In the Jewish tradition one wishes family and friends ‘long life’ when someone dies, which means as long as you and they are alive, you will always remember them and have good memories – hence a long life to you and family and all those who knew Aunt Ruthie. (I am not Jewish but it is a lovely saying).
Thank you for mentioning the saying, Susan. I wonder if this expression coincides with the Jewish toast to life: L’Chaim in Hebrew. Life is fragile, and you prompt us all to remember that we must savor it.
I am sorry for the loss of your dear aunt. What a long and beautiful life she has shared with so many people. Bless her soul and may her flight be swift and filled with joy. I am sure she has left a legacy filled with joy and laughter. RIP.
You mention joy and laughter, and I imagine there will be plenty of that as the family gathers. Mixed with the tears, of course. Thanks, Patricia!
I’m so sorry that Aunt Ruthie is gone from this world. I send you my love, thoughts, and prayers at this difficult time.
I gladly accept you love, thoughts, and prayers. Thank you, Joan. It will sink in after all the hoopla is behind us. 🙁
Blessings to you and your whole family as you grieve and celebrate Aunt Ruthie. I miss her too. I’m envisioning the transference of Aunt Ruthie’s mantle to you as you are now “the prophet” (as in what happened between Elijah and Elisha). Much love and gratitude as you take your sabbatical from ‘prophesying’ on this blog.
Grieve and celebrate, yin and yang – you got it. “The prophet” sounds like too heavy a mantle to shoulder now. Maybe I’ll just continue to be the Keeper of the Legacy. I always love your slant on things and your way with words, Dolores. Thank you!
I am very sorry for your loss, Marian. My thoughts are with you and your family. Big hug.
Thank you for your good wishes, Fatima. Here’s a big hug back to you!
I hope you are well.
There is “a bustle in the house” right now, but soon things will settle down and I’ll get some rest. Thanks for being so thoughtful, Fatima.
Marian — I am so sorry for your loss. May the constant love of caring friends soften your sadness. May cherished memories bring you moments of comfort. May lasting peace surround your grieving heart.
Your words sound like a blessing and they are. Years ago I could not imagine that friends I’ve never met would mean so much to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Laurie.
So sorry for your loss, Marian, we will all miss her!
She will continue to live on as long as the pixels and electrons hang together on this blog. Of course, more importantly she will live on in our memories as we anticipate seeing her again on day. Thank you, Elfrieda.
My dear friend, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know leaves a large hole in your heart. May God hold you and your family securely in the palm of His hand, and may He keep you until you meet again.
Hole – Hold – Hand about sums it up. And I’ll add the blessed Hope of seeing her again one day. Thank you for expressing our loss in such a special way, Jenn.
I grew to love your Aunt Ruthie while reading all of your wonderful stories about her. What a woman! She is someone that we all aspire to be like now and in our older years. Peace to her and peace to you and your family. 💚
Oh, gosh, yes she is an inspiration. As you can imagine, our ministrations have taken quite an emotional toll. I think I’ll take a few deep breaths before I think about aspiration right now. Ha!
Marian, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I feel reassured that you will keep her spirit alive through your wonderful family stories.
My sister just emailed me with a strong suggestion that we need to put more leaves in the table by the bay window as family and friends will gather her after her funeral on Saturday. My plan is to just “go with it” now and rest later. Thanks for your good wishes, Kathy. I especially appreciate your prayers for strength as this has been a long haul.
So sorry for your loss Marian but heaven has gained a beautiful soul. When you have come to terms with your loss you will have so many wonderful memories and Aunt Ruthie will live on through those for time immemorial. God bless you all x
Coming to terms with our our loss may take a while, as you say, but the precious memories will linger – and grow sweeter. Thank you for your kind comment and blessing, Carol.
Marian, I am sorry for your loss. Enjoy and refresh on your time away.
Thank you for your good wishes, Athanasia.
Marian, I’m so sorry for your great loss. I feel as though I knew your aunt through all the wonderful stories you’ve shared. Sending you healing thoughts at this time and just think about the treasure chest of memories she has left you with. <3
There you are! You posted a while ago and I DID approve it, so don’t know why it didn’t show up. Gremlins at work?
Yes, Ruthie has left a treasure chest of memories. Our son Joel is driving a van with more items from the attic, including four or five diaries (one locked without a key), now on their way from PA to FL. Another book perhaps? Anyway, I’m, sure they’ll be on my summer reading list. 🙂
I just read your tweet, Debbie. You care and share everywhere.
The fact that you feel as though you know my aunt through my stories here is a great compliment. Thanks, dear friend.
🙂
Holding you in a circle of light and love, Marian. I’m grateful you introduced me to your wonderful Aunt Ruthie. Thank you for the beautiful biblical and other quotes.
You’ve been deep in the grief trenches for a long time. I hope you get a deep rest. Sending Blessings your way.
Yes, you’ve been plumbing the depths for a long time, mentioning the word deep twice here. Grief causes deep heart squeezes and comes in waves, a sensation I felt not long ago with my mother’s passing.
I appreciate your holding me in a circle of light and love. These words on your own blog this week stopped me dead in my tracks: ” . . . who can plan for the vacuum within a flattened circle?” Aunt Ruthie’s demise has been a long time in coming (not a surprise), yet her actual passage from life to death carries a note of finality.
Thank you too for your rich metaphors which inspire me to sharpen my writing craft, Elaine.
Deep rest? After the property sale at the end of June. It can’t come soon enough!
Yes, Marian’s Aunt was such a mentor to her all throughout her years. As my children were growing up my family traveled almost every Christmas and summertime from FL to PA. We often stayed at Aunt Ruthie’s and Great Grandmother-of-the-birds’ big home. Each time was welcomed with lots of love and Ruthie provided a way for my children to see love and faith in action–to friends, strangers, neighbors, church members, and refugees. We will miss her but we will keep the special memories of her alive.
🙂
So very sorry to hear about Aunt Ruthie -she was a real treasure.
Yes, she was a treasure in an earthen vessel. Earthly then, heavenly now! Thank you for your condolences here, Lady Fi.
I’m very sorry about your loss, but I think you’re right; she must be in a very good place now, no matter which cloud she took to get there!
She sneaked past us after our multi-day vigil and spotted the perfect cloud to ascend upon. Thanks, Rebecca!
sorry to hear of your loss. Our pastor does remind us they are not really lost since we know exactly where they are, and it is a much better place.
Your pastor is right. Aunt Ruthie is enjoying her heavenly home and we will join her one happy day. Thank you, Brenda, for reading and commenting here. Do come back again!
Dear Marian,
My heart goes out to you as you say goodbye (for now) to your dear Aunt. I love the imagery of treasure in a clay vessel. In the simplicity of daily life is often the most grace. The simplicity of our Mennonite heritage and loving kindness of the women in our lives give us grace and strength for the journey. Blessings….Ann Bomberger Watson
It is so good to hear from you again and at this particular time. I especially appreciate these lines: “The simplicity of our Mennonite heritage and loving kindness of the women in our lives give us grace and strength for the journey.” Grace and strength, twin virtues of our heritage.
We share a similar heritage and likely, similar values too. Thank you for providing a fitting summary to Aunt Ruthie’s life. When I see your name I think of my mother and Erb’s Mennonite Church. Thank you, Ann.