Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ruth Baumgartner

Feb. 2, 1918 - March 19, 2004

South Bend Tribune 3/23/2004

Ruth (Linderman) Baumgartner, 86, of Saint Paul's Retirement Community, formerly of Park Jefferson Apartments, died Friday evening in her residence. She was born Feb. 2, 1918, in Dowagiac, Mich., to Earl and Ethel (Anderson) Linderman, who preceded her in death.

On June 3, 1944, in St. Stephen's Catholic Church, South Bend, Ind., she married Leslie Carl Baumgartner, who died Feb. 11, 1993. Ruth was a secretary for the City of South Bend Building Department and later worked for the University of Notre Dame Financial Department.

Surviving are a daughter, Joan Steinmetz of South Bend; a son, James Baumgartner of South Bend; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Howard Linderman of California.

Her love of music and dancing to the big band sounds of the early 40s led her to meet her future husband, Leslie Baumgartner. She loved all kinds of music and harmonized with her sister and a friend at different events. She got her musical training singing in her hometown church choir and playing violin in the high school orchestra. Later, when she moved to South Bend and got married, Ruth joined the newly formed St. Anthony's choir. For a short time she also led a group of young people with guitars in a junior choir. She touched many lives and was loved by her family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by many.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Anthony de Padua Church. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the HICKEY Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, 574-289-1000, where a Rosary will be said at 6 p.m., by the Knights of Columbus Council 553 wives.

Ruth was a member of St. Anthony Parish, Campfire leader, Cub Scout den mother, Rosary Society, Circle of Mercy, Ladies of Charity and K of C wives. Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities, 1817 Miami, South Bend, IN 46613.