Ruth Helene Kaltenbach

Ruth Helene Kaltenbach 1936- The family and friends of Ruth Kaltenbach celebrate the fulfilling life she led and are saddened by her passing on Aug 1, 2025. She was 88 years old. Ruth Helene (Johnson) Kaltenbach was born Sept 12, 1936, in Geneva, Illinois to Eric and Helene (Leemon) Johnson.

Ruth grew up on a dairy farm in Lily Lake, Illinois with her 4 brothers. She graduated from Central High School , Burlington, IL, 1954 and furthered her education at Northern Illinois University earning her degree in Education in 1958. After teaching for a few years in Downers Grove, she taught in Champaign while earning her Master's degree in education from the University of Illinois. While in Champaign, she met Carl Colin Kaltenbach, who she married August 22,1964. In the fall of 1967, Ruth moved with Colin for his Post-Doctorate work in Australia. While there, Ruth brought James (Jim) into the world in Kew, Victoria. Colin's appointment to the University of Wyoming brought the family to Laramie, Wyoming in 1969, where John was born in early 1970.



Ruth was an involved parent, attending every concert and sporting event of the boys, volunteering her time with their 4-H club, and church activities. Once both boys were in high school, Ruth resumed teaching at a local Christian school. She was an active PEO member (2 terms as a Chapter President), served as a Docent at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, sang in church choirs, bell choir, Sweet Adaline's, and The Desert Tones and Grace Notes in Tucson. Ruth's love of music was always present and even towards the end of her life, she could still read music, sing hymns, and play the piano after most other memories had faded. Ruth remained active in her religious studies as Jesus was an integral part of her whole life. Going to church, singing hymns, and bible study brought her comfort and strength.



Ruth is reunited with her parents, Eric and Helene (Leemon) Johnson; and her brothers: Leonard, Filip, and Thomas Johnson. Ruth is survived by her husband Colin of 61 yrs; and her sons: Jim (Elizabeth) and John (Melissa) Kaltenbach; her 3 beloved grandchildren, Jacob, Jamie, and Vivianne; and her brother Glenn Johnson.

As we come together to celebrate Ruth's life-a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories-we invite you to join in this heartfelt remembrance. In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to the Alzheimer's Association, PEO, or plant a tree/flowers/shrub in her honor.



A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Laramie, WY on Friday, August 29th, 2025 at 11am.