Ruth Bassis

1927 - 2023

Ruth (Murstein) Bassis (May 28, 1927-July 5, 2023) lived a very long life, filled with love, fun, family and friends. She is pre-deceased by her husband Jerry, the love of her life. Already missed by her children Jeanne and Paul, her beloved granddaughters, Audriana and Natalie, daughter-in-law, Mary Giardino and a substantial number of nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. She loved them all.

Ruthie was a true New Yorker and in her mid-80's she bravely relocated to Boulder to be closer to Colorado family. She was very much an integral part of the vibrant and supportive Golden West community for the last 11 years.

Ruth was first and foremost an early childhood teacher. After going back to finish college and earn her degree, her later jobs as a social worker always involved helping people. She loved folk music, being with people of all ages, was an enthusiastic participant in many social activities, such as parties, scrabble, poker, live concerts, sharing lunch, dinner, brunch with friends. Ruthie loved a good laugh, especially when her own quick wit could provoke a laugh out of others. She was a lifelong believer in the power of people coming together to create a more peaceful and just world.

As an advocate and active participant in whatever was the peace and social justice movement of the day, Ruth and her husband Jerry had been to Washington, DC many times, never as tourists. She marched tirelessly calling for an end to the war in Vietnam and was there when Martin Luther King, Jr gave his historic I Have a Dream speech at the March on Washington in 1963. If you would like to make a contribution to honor Ruth Bassis' memory as a champion of progressive causes and in support of the values she stood for her entire life, please consider donating to the non-profit organization of your choosing that works to advance workers rights, peace, civil liberties, or environmental justice.

Two Celebrations of Ruth's Life will be held. On Saturday September 16th, at 1 pm, her Colorado community will gather in The Aspen Room at Golden West, 1055 Adams Circle in Boulder. On Sunday March 24, 2024 2 p.m at The Woody and Marjorie Guthrie Center (The Church of Alice's Restaurant fame) in Great Barrington, MA, family and friends will again honor her legacy.