Ruth R. (Edelman) Klein

Ruth Klein, born Rachel R. Edelman ,

Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Educator, avid reader, friend and neighbor passed away February 12th, 2023.

Ruth was the first Jewish baby born in Sturgis Michigan, June 16th, 1931, to Abraham and Leah Edelman. The family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana and then to Richmond, Indiana. Ruth graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in education. Ruth came to Indianapolis, Indiana for her first teaching job, where she taught 5th grade at IPS School 59 (still located at Kessler and Keystone).

She was introduced to Arthur J. Klein by mutual friends and they married, June 26, 1955. Art and Ruth were married 59 years when Art passed away July 26, 2014.

Ruth was very active in Jewish life in Indianapolis. She was a Life Member of Hadassah and she chaired the Indianapolis Purim Ball at the Indiana Roof in 1968 where the comedian/ actor Red Buttons headlined. Ruth taught Sunday School at Beth-El Zedeck. Ruth was an avid cyclist and exercise enthusiast. Ruth and Art enjoyed a well-traveled life. She also loved good chocolate, lemon drops, and all kinds of ice cream, which she kept on hand, in great supply.

Ruth enjoyed social activities in her neighborhood, Williams Mill, in Carmel Indiana. She enjoyed book club, the tile game Mexican Train, and neighborhood luncheons. She also enjoyed staying in touch and getting together with many lifelong friends.

Ruth is survived by her sons, Marc (Pam) and Matt (Lydia) Klein; grandchildren, Kara Klein Tamulonis (Peter), Willard Klein, Benjamin Klein and Alec Klein; great-granddaughters, Vivian and Georgia Tamulonis; brothers, Morrie Edelman (Janice) and Harold Edelman (Maneva); sister-in-law, Debra Edelman; and many nephews and nieces. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur J. Klein; parents, Abraham and Leah Edelman; brothers, Israel, Joshua, and Jack Edelman; nephew, Izzy Edelman; and niece, Alexa Meagan Edelman.

Memorial contributions may be made to Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation .