Ruth Perlman

SEVEN LAKES, N.C. – Ruth King Perlman of Seven Lakes North, quietly passed away in her home on May 24, 2009, at 8:30 a.m. Mrs. Perlman was born Feb. 11, 1918, in St. Pauls, N.C. She was the daughter of the late James Troy King and Jesse Butler King also of St. Pauls, N.C.

The memorial service will be held at the Chapel in the Pines, Seven Lakes, on Friday, May 29, at 2 p.m.

Mrs. Perlman was raised on her family's farm in St. Pauls where she learned her understanding of the cycle of life and to appreciate the miracles of all living things. At his age of 16 she entered Duke University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Science in 1938. She spent most of her life as a versatile educator teaching sciences, history, social studies as well as photography and art. Her passion for history and social studies led her back to college where she earned her master's degree in history from University of Illinois in 1967. Mrs. Perlman was a beloved innovative educator designing games, programs and creative tools used today in the classrooms. She was part of a select group focusing on curriculum development for gifted 7th and 8th graders. It was common for her former students to stop by in the summers to visit and speak of their accomplishments and their gratitude for her encouragement.

Ruth King met and fell in "love at first sight" with her husband Raymond at a USO Ball in 1942 where they had been named King and Queen of the night. It has been a extraordinary love story ever since.

Throughout their years together they designed homes and beautiful gardens together and nurtured a loving family. They spent approximately 40 years in Champaign where Raymond was a professor at the University of Illinois and retired to Seven Lakes, West End 1983. She shared her passion for gardening, reading and philosophy with family and friends, always a lesson in life and love.

Ruth Perlman battled valiantly many illnesses throughout the last 35 years. She had an inner strength, beauty and knowledge that was unmatched which led to her many remarkable recoveries. We are blessed to have had her in our lives for these many amazing years.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Mr. Raymond Perlman, Seven Lakes North, and her daughters, Nancy Perlman Simonds (John) of Kansas City, Mo., and Leslie Perlman Schaitberger (Joseph) of Alpharetta, Ga.; three grandchildren, Jessica, Jason and Samantha and two great-grandchildren, Kaylie an Jadyn. Also surviving are her sisters, Rachel Lucas and Ellen Grace Strauch and her brother, Alton King.

Mrs. Perlman was predeceased by her brother, James King and her sister, Elizabeth Thompson.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to First Health Hospice, 5 Aviemore Drive, Pinehurst NC 28374 or Chapel in the Pines 110 Wrenn Tree Court, 5130 Seven Lakes West, West End NC 27376.

Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com

Family served by Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.