Ruth Leder

Ruth Leder, 86, of Raleigh, NC, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2005. Mrs. Leder was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April 3, 1918 to Dave and Ida Fleishman. When she was 14 years old she moved with her family to Clinton, NC. After graduating from Clinton High School in 1934, she went to Atlanta Business College and then moved to Baltimore, where she worked for a couple of years. Mrs. Leder then moved back to Clinton and shortly after was married to Joseph Leder, who owned Leder Brothers Department Stores along with his brothers. She worked at the store in Clinton for 48 years. After her retirement, Mrs. Leder traveled extensively, including seven trips to Israel.
Mrs. Leder lived a life of love and service to mankind along so many avenues. She was an integral part of the community in Clinton, serving as a member of the Woman's Club, including a term as President. She was a lifelong member of Hadassah, the woman's Zionist organization. In 1988, she was honored in Israel as a "Founder of Hadassah", for her top-level support of the Hadassah Medical Organization. Upon receiving this honor, Mrs. Leder showed her true self, commenting that she would live "in accordance with the noble traditions of Hadassah; race, religion and creed are unimportant when tending the sick." She was honored as a "Lion of Judah," a tribute given to women who generously donate to the Jewish Federation. In addition, she was a generous supporter of several other organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the B'nai Brith Foundation, the UNC chapter of Hillel, and the United States Holocaust Museum.
Mrs. Leder will be remembered by her numerous friends and family for her beauty, graciousness, philanthropy, zest for life, and incredible ability to relate to people both young and old.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Leder; her son E. Martin Leder; and her brother, Ernest Fleishman.
Two wonderful grandchildren survive her: David Leder of Chapel Hill and Elizabeth Leder of Irvine, California; daughter-in-law, Alice Katcher Leder; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the E. Martin Leder Scholarship Fund at Clinton High School in care of Dale Johnson, P.O. Box 1040, Clinton, NC 28328; or to ones' favorite memorial or charity.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., today January 26, at Beth Israel Synagogue, 2204 Morganton Road, Fayetteville, NC.