Ruth Helene Kaltenbach

The family and friends of Ruth Kaltenbach celebrate the fulfilling life she led and are saddened by her passing on Aug 1, 2025, at 88yrs 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. Ruth frequently reminisced about raising ducks and chickens, taming the barn cats to keep them out of her dad's way, and gardening with her mom. Ruth was active in 4-H, Grace Lutheran church, and her academic studies.
Ruth graduated from Burlington Central High School, class of 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 Colin Kaltenbach, and they married August 22,1964. In the fall of 1967, Ruth and Colin moved for 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. Then in 1976, the family moved for an adventure-full year in New Zealand, where Colin took a sabbatical before then returning to Laramie. Ruth was an involved parent, attending all the boys' concerts and sporting events, and volunteering with their 4-H club and church activities. Once both boys were in high school, Ruth resumed teaching at a local Christian school.
Ruth was active in both Laramie and Tucson as a P.E.O. member (42yrs and 2 terms as Chapter President), a Docent at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, sang in church choirs, bell choirs, Sweet Adaline's, The Desert Tones, and Grace Notes. 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.
Education was one of Ruth's passions and gifts. She spent her whole life teaching people wherever she went. As a P.E.O. member, she promoted women's education, and one of her special projects was mentoring International Peace Scholarship recipients. Ruth was a life-long learner, and books were important. She shared her passion for reading with many children- siblings, nieces, nephews, children, and grandchildren. Ruth also loved her grandchildren dearly and took every opportunity to travel to support them with their FFA activities, dance, and music performances.
Ruth was a gifted gardener and loved plants. She spent most of her life in areas where garden mastery was a hard-earned accomplishment. Plentiful green plants filled her home, and yearly vegetable gardens were surrounded by large varieties of flowers, shrubs, and trees. The Tucson Botanical Gardens became the source for a constant stream of give-away or 'stray' plants that Ruth would adopt. Colin had to engineer some crazy watering systems to keep them alive, but they transformed the landscape around their Tucson home into an oasis.
After 23 years, Colin retired from University of Arizona, and they moved back to Laramie but still spent winters in Arizona. Her love of adventure and travel continued and led her and Colin around the world, visiting more than 30 countries, and making friends along the way during their 61 years of marriage. Ruth was joyful, had a warm smile with an infectious laugh, and people often felt heard and seen by her.
Ruth is reunited with her parents, Eric and Helene (Leemon) Johnson; her brothers, Leonard, Filip, and Thomas Johnson. Ruth is survived by her husband Colin of 61yrs; 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, P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship project, 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.