Ruth J. Bitzer

HYANNIS — Ruth Johnson Bitzer, 91, of Hyannis, died peacefully on Aug. 12, 2008, at the Essex Pavilion in Hyannis.

She was the devoted wife of her deceased husband, Harold M. Bitzer, formerly of Montague.

Born in Newport, R.I., in 1917, to Agnes and Andrew K. Johnson, immigrants from Goteberg, Sweden, Ruth spent her entire life caring for others in her church's ministries and caring for patients as a licensed practical nurse.

Her simple pleasures were her walks on the beaches of Cape Cod, cooking and baking for her family and friends; especially her Swedish smorgasbords. Smokey, the cat, was her faithful, furry friend.

Ruth was a loving aunt to Richard Cooke of New Mexico, Ronald Cooke, Deborah Carr, and Donna Pinto of Connecticut, and Beverly Cooke Rathbun, Donald Johnson, Robert Johnson and Andrew Johnson of California. She was great-aunt and grandmother to Sarah Hancock of California, Meredith Shoop of Georgia, Richard Rathbun of Arizona, Justin Cooke of Colorado, Sean Cooke of New Mexico, Meagan McDermott of North Carolina, and Shawn Carr, Scott Carr, Nicholas Pinto and Heather Pinto-Cohn of Connecticut. Ruth was also a great-great-aunt and great-grandmother to Abigail Hancock, Logan and Summer Shoop, and Tanner Pinto-Cohn.

A celebration of Ruth's life will be held at the First Lutheran Church, 1663 Main St., West Barnstable, MA 02668, on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift to First Lutheran Church may be given in her name.

Ruth will be laid to rest beside her husband, Harold, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hyannis following the service.

Doane, Beal & Ames

508-775-0684