Ruth Bretscher Ressmeyer

RESSMEYER - Ruth Bretscher, 85, Greenport, NY on October 26, 2008. Her loving husband of 64 years Reverend Henry F. Ressmeyer predeceased her by three months. Beloved mother of Christa Ruth Klein, Ph.D. (Rev. Leonard), Georgia Jo Ressmeyer, J.D., the Rev. Canon Victoria Grace Sirota, D.M.A. (Dr. Robert) and the well-known photo journalist Roger Henry Ressmeyer. Loving grandmother of Maria Hollenbeck, Nicholas Strauss- Klein, Renate Klein, Jonah and Nadia Sirota, Ryan and Rachel Ressmeyer and great-grandmother of five, dear sister of the Rev. Dr. Paul G. Bretscher, the Rev. Carl W. Bretscher and Dr. Manuel M. Bretscher. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Washington University, St. Louis, she also studied at Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, IL. and Adelphi University, NY. An early deacon of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, from 1985 she ministered to the sick, assisted with worship and taught Bible classes, after years of service as a kindergarten and preschool teacher at Grace Lutheran Church, Malverne, LI and St. Paul's Lutheran Church, East Northport, LI and a guidance counselor at Lutheran High School, Brookville, LI. An accomplished author, she wrote "Neither Male Nor Female" and other Bible studies, poetry, a spiritual biography and a family history. As a musician she served as a soloist, choir member and church accompanist. She is remembered for her gentle spirit and generous heart. Family to receive friends on Tuesday from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Horton-Mathie Funeral Home, 735 First Street, Greenport Village, NY. Liturgy of the Resurrection, Wednesday 11am at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Main Rd., Greenport, NY. Committal to follow at East Marion Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers to a church or charity of your choice.