Ruth Bell

BELL Ruth Dorothy (nee Gerlach), age 99, died peacefully at Buckingham at Norwood on October 5, 2010. Ruth was one of Ridgefield's oldest residents, who was born at home on Eighth Street in Hoboken on June 6, 1911. Her mother and father were of German decent and spoke German at home. Her father, Frank Gerlach, was born on a farm in Roundout, New York and was a merchant in New York City. Her mother, born Emma Braun, was the daughter of Herman, a Civil War veteran wounded in the peach orchard at Gettysburg and later battled the Sioux Indians in North Dakota. Ruth left school after eighth grade to work and help support the family. She married John Bell, a neighbor, in 1934 and lived in Union City before moving to Ridgefield in 1941. Three sons were born to the family, Jack the oldest, surviving, and James and Robert both deceased. She is survived by five grandchildren. A grandchild, Jamie, died of cancer two years ago. There are eight surviving great-grandchildren with one on the way, a boy, Connor David Bell died in 2004. Ruth was a surrogate mother to her beloved younger brother Frank Gerlach Jr. Frank was killed over Achern, Germany in July 1944 in a B-17 while serving in Eighth Air Force. Ruth was very proud of being a den mother for Cub Pack 83 during the 1940's and 50's while her sons were cub scouts. Her husband John was mayor of Ridgefield fifty years ago and she helped him in this endeavor with enthusiasm. Ruthie, as she was called by her family, was known for being a straight arrow and an excellent judge of people. She was a very decent human being with an iron will. Semper Fi Mom, Jack. Visiting will be at Blackley Funeral Home, 809 Broad Avenue, Ridgefield (201) 945-5032 on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and on Saturday from 2-6 PM with a funeral service on Saturday at 6 PM at the funeral home. Cremation will be private. For directions or to send condolences, go to blackleyfuneral.com.

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