Ruth Melcher

Ruth (Apgar) Melcher, 104, widow of Ronald P. Melcher, the former assistant sports editor for The Hartford Courant, died Friday, (August 16, 2002) at Seabury Retirement Community in Bloomfield, where she lived since 1998. Born in Windsor on October 21, 1897, she was the daughter of Edwin Eliphalet Apgar and Edith (Hollister) Apgar. She was employed as a switchboard operator at The Hartford Courant during the 1930s and 1940s. Ruth resided in Hartford most of her life, living at Armsmear for more than 30 years. She was a longtime active member of the Church of The Good Shepherd, where she served on the Altar Guild. At Armsmear, she was a member of the Elizabeth Colt Circle and the flower committee of the St. Elizabeth Chapel. She also was a member of the Windsor Historical Society and the Auxiliary at Seabury Retirement Community. Ruth is survived by many close friends. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 10 a.m., at the Church of The Good Shepherd, 155 Wyllys St., Hartford. A gathering with family and friends will follow the service in the church hall. Burial will be held at 2 p.m. in Elm Grove Cemetery in Windsor. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of The Good Shephard, 155 Wyllys St., Hartford 06106. The James T. Pratt Funeral Service is serving the family.