Ruth Hackjo Ree

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Hackjo Ree, a beloved mother, grandmother, devoted wife, and woman of deep and abiding faith. Ruth went home to be with the Lord on March 4, 2026, at the age of 96. While we grieve her loss, we take comfort in the assurance that she now rests in perfect peace with Jesus Christ, her beloved Savior.

Ruth was born on March 12, 1929, in Korea into a family rooted in faith and learning. Her father was a scholar who taught at mission schools, and her family's life was grounded in Christian faith and a deep respect for education. When Ruth was three years old, the family moved to Seoul. After her father's passing when she was nine, Ruth was lovingly guided and sustained by her strong-willed mother whose faith, strength, and prayers shaped Ruth's life in lasting ways.

Ruth attended Sookmyung Women's College in Seoul, where she studied Korean Literature. After graduating, she began her career as a teacher at Baehwa Girls' High School, a Methodist-affiliated school, where she dedicated herself to educating and encouraging young women.

In 1958, Ruth traveled to the United States to pursue graduate studies at Mississippi College, where she earned her master's degree in Education. After graduating, she moved to Chicago and worked at Christopher House serving families and children. It was there that a dear friend and colleague, Pauline Lim, introduced her to Joe Ree. Their meeting proved providential, and Ruth and Joe were soon married, beginning a loving partnership that would endure for 65 years.

The couple later moved to Bloomington, Indiana, where Joe pursued his doctoral studies at Indiana University. Ruth initially applied for a clerical position at the university but was instead hired as a librarian in recognition of her qualifications and her proficiency in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. During these years, she supported her husband's academic pursuits while continuing her own professional work.

Ruth and Joe eventually made their home in Tallahassee, Florida, where Ruth served as a librarian at Tallahassee Community College and later at Florida State University. Her love of books, learning, and education left a lasting impression on colleagues and students alike.

Beyond her professional life, Ruth shared her creativity and generosity in many ways. She delighted family, friends, and her husband's students with her lovingly prepared eggrolls and traditional Korean dishes. She tended beautiful gardens with patience and care and was an accomplished seamstress, creating garments for family and friends and at one time working at Rheinauer's fine women's clothing boutique. Her creativity extended even further-she was often asked to craft and decorate beautiful cakes for special celebrations and gatherings, a reflection of the care and artistry she brought to everything she did.

Throughout her life, Ruth carried deep gratitude and admiration for her mother, whose strength, faith, and devotion had shaped her in enduring ways. She wrote a memoir honoring her mother's life, preserving the story of the sacrifices, wisdom, and steadfast faith.

Above all, Ruth was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother to her son Andrew and daughter Joy, a loving mother-in-law to Laurie and Earl, and a cherished grandmother to her granddaughters Lauren, Anna, Katie, and Olivia and grandsons Alex and Nicholas. Her warmth, generosity, and cheerful spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.

The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Ruth's life at a funeral service to be held in the Chapel on March 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Peachtree Memorial Park Crowell Brothers Funeral Home.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that Ruth is now reunited with her mother, whose faith first guided her steps, and that she rejoices in the presence of the Lord she loved and trusted throughout her life. She now rests in His eternal peace.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757.