Ruthanne Hartung

Ruthanne Hartung, 71, Reading, died Dec. 28, 2009, in Reading Hospital.

She was a daughter of the late Paul H. and Florence Mae (Ruth) Kramer.

Ruthanne was a 1960 graduate of Kutztown State College, earning a BA in art education.

A lifelong artist, she was a juried member of the PA Guild of Craftsmen. Her work is included in many public and private collections worldwide, including: Ephrata Cloister, The Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies and the Museum of American Folk Art.

In 2008, she authored the book "Fraktur," one of a series of books published by Stackpole Books for The Heritage Crafts Today Series. She was selected one of the top 200 traditional American craftsmen by Early American Life magazine.

Ruthanne was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Reading.

She is survived by her two sons, John E., husband of Tracy Hartung, Pasadena, Calif., and William P., husband of Eulalia Hartung, Upper Darby. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Justin, Taylor, Amaya and Megan, and two siblings, Paul C. Kramer, Nacogdoches, Texas, and Maryjane Kramer, Lancaster.

Ruthanne was pre-deceased by her husband of 49 years, John W. Hartung, who died Nov. 21.

Services were held Thursday in St John's Lutheran Church, with burial in Charles Evans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either: St. John's Lutheran Church, 521 Walnut St., Reading, PA 19601 or the Humane Society of Berks County, 1801 N. 11th St., Reading, PA 19604.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.