Ruth Elizabeth Kurtz

CHESHIRE - Mrs. Ruth Elizabeth (Barto) Kurtz, 93, of 1604 Peck Lane, died early Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007, at her home. She was the widow of Earl J. Kurtz Sr.

Mrs. Kurtz was born in Hamden, Oct. 19, 1914, a daughter of the late Charles and Florence J. (Hart) Barto and was educated in the Hamden school system and graduated from high school in New Haven. She also graduated from New Haven Normal School. She and her late husband founded the family farm, Kurtz Farm in 1940 and was active in the daily operation of the business until her recent illness. She also was a teacher in the Cheshire school system for over 25 years, teaching at Darcy School, while still working on the farm. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Cheshire and was a member of the Cheshire Grange, No 23 for over 75 years. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a financial supporter of the Appalachian Fund and a number of other Children's funds, helping to support underprivileged children.

She leaves three sons, Earl J. Kurtz, Jr. and his wife, Lauri, Charles E. Kurtz and his wife, Debbie, and Hugh E. Kurtz and his wife, Marge all of Cheshire; one daughter, Ruth Wojtasik and her husband, Joseph of Wallingford; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Cheshire, 111 Church Dr. Burial will be in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery. Friends may call at the Library of the Church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. The Slater Funeral Home, 242 So. Main St. is in charge of arrangements. For further information or to send an on line condolence go to www.slaterfh.com.