Ruth Allen Kunes

Ruth Allen Kunes, 95, passed away on February 18, 2026. Born in Trenton, New Jersey in 1930, she brought up her family in Lawrence Township, and lived most recently in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. Ruth was the beloved wife of Irving H. Kunes, (deceased, 1993), for 38 years, sister to Eli Allen (Rita), who died in 2000, sister-in-law to Herman and Alma Kunes, and a most loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She is survived by her four children, Amy Stern (Alan); Sam Kunes (Furong Chen), Ellen Kunes (David Freeman), and Michael Kunes. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; David Stern, Andrew Stern, Branch Freeman, Winston Freeman, Russell Kunes, Jennifer Kunes and Ziyi Chen.

Ruth's life was devoted to education and service. She graduated as a valedictorian of Trenton Central High School in 1948, won a full scholarship to what is now Rutgers University, majoring in political science, and received a Master's degree in Education at what is now The College of New Jersey-and she did this after having four children in five years. She worked briefly as an elementary school teacher before finding her calling as an adoption caseworker for The Children's Home Society of New Jersey, placing hundreds of children into happy homes. She was particularly proud of her efforts in helping to organize a union for that agency. In retirement, she was a dedicated public servant, serving as a docent for the New Jersey State House in Trenton, where she gave tours to schoolchildren. She was a longtime member of Har Sinai Temple, loved playing tennis and swimming (she was a performer with The Dolphinettes–a synchronized swimming club). She also traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, South America and all over the US.

Ruth had another special gift: The ability, not just to keep old friends, but to make new ones throughout her life. Even as she reached and passed her 90th birthday, she brought new people into her circle, as she learned the intricacies of bridge and canasta, served as a host for her neighborhood dinner and book clubs, attended concerts, plays and sporting events. She was also intrepid: Even at 90, she canvassed for the political candidates she believed in, going door to door to detail their strengths.

As her health declined, Ruth remained upbeat, continuing. when possible, to see shows, enjoy dinners with her family and friends, and keep abreast of the news on TV. She was fully engaged in life, even during her final hospital stay, watching the Olympics, and worrying that she hadn't sent her grandchildren her annual Valentine's Day cards. Ruth knew how to love and be loved, and the memory of her enjoyment of life will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to have known her.

Funeral services are Sunday, March 1st at 1:00pm at Orland's Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing Township, NJ. Burial will follow at Ewing Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are respectfully requested to the following causes, which were close to Ruth's heart: Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), The Nature Conservancy and HomeFront NJ.

For condolences please visit: OrlandsMemorialChapel.com/Ruth-Kunes