Ruth Hartmann

Ruth (née Sammet) Hartmann passed away at 95 years old from natural causes. She was born in Brooklyn, New York where she spent her younger years. Hartmann was a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. She headed West and resided in Seaside, Del Rey Oaks and Monterey, becoming an elementary school teacher for the Monterey Pennisula USD from 1966 - 1984. During the 60+ years she lived in Monterey, she supported numerous social and environmental organizations including the Big Sur Lighthouse, Pacific Grove Lighthouse, Congregation Beth Israel, Big Sur Land Trust, Pacific Grove Museum, Elk Horn Slough, Youth Music Monterey, Monterey State Historical Society, Pacific Repertory Theatre, Monterey County Symphony Association, and the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary where she was often seen giving tours. Hartmann is survived by her daughter Susan (Craig) Gernaey, son Tom (Jackie) Hartmann, and grandchildren Andi, Will, Keri and Daniel along with her sister Helen Sauerhaft. She moved to Southern California in 2021 to be near her children. She will be cremated and returned to Monterey Bay where her ashes will be scattered at sea.