Obituaries

Ruth Steinmuller Freitag, 96

June 08, 1924 - October 03, 2020

Ruth Steinmuller Freitag, 96, of Arlington, VA, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Powhatan Nursing Home, Falls Church, VA.

Born and raised in Lancaster, PA, Ruth was the daughter of the late Albert and Lina (Steinmuller) Freitag. Growing up she worshipped with her family at the former St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Lancaster.

Ruth served in the US Army in China during WWII with the E.W. Detachment Army Advisory Group. Ruth then worked in Foreign Service as a communication specialist at the American Embassy in London and then in Hong Kong.

Ruth earned her Master in Science in Library Science from the University of Southern California in 1959 and began a long and productive career at the Library of Congress, retiring in 2006.

A graveside service with Military Honors, will take place Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 11 AM in Greenwood Cemetery, 719 Highland Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603. The service will available to view through a Live Stream link at this address on Saturday at 11 AM and in the future.

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Condolences to the Family

September 07, 2022

I had the pleasure of visiting Ruth at Powhatan Nursing Home, often taking her out to some of her favorite haunts, such as the local Barnes & Noble bookstore where she could browse for hours, and Gravelly Point to watch the planes coming in to National Airport. As others have said, a gentle, special lady with a ready smile. She will be missed by those who knew her.

March 03, 2021

Ruth was so respected and loved at the Library of Congress and truly one of the institution’s great treasures I worked with her when she was in the Science and Technology Division. We all admired Ruth and looked to her knowledge and skills to make sure our publications were accurate. She was always willing to lend a hand. We missed her a lot when she left the Division. There will never be anyone like Ruth again in this world. I am so glad to have known her.
Stephanie Marcus

December 09, 2020

I met Ruth in May of 2018, when I started visiting Powhatan Nursing Home with my little dog, Bella. Ruth was one of my favorite residents to visit with. She was almost always at the front door and would greet me when I came in and say goodbye when Bella and I left, always with a smile. We would stop and visit with Ruth who smiled and sometimes laughed when she saw Bella, a little Tibetan Spaniel. And my absolute favorite thing about Ruth, other than her beautiful smile, was that she always had a book in her lap. Every time I visited, which was 2-3 times a week, a book in her lap. A gentle soul who, in just two years, touched my life and my heart. I was so sad to hear she had passed. This past June, my daughter and I brought Bella to the nursing home, just to wave and to hold up a “We Love You” sign in case there was anyone at the door. And there was Ruth. I was happy to see her, but so sad we could only wave through the door. We waved and held Bella up (she’s pretty small) so Ruth could see her. It was heartbreaking, but such a gift to see Ruth before she passed. She will remain in my memories forever. I truly miss seeing her at Powhatan. My sympathy and thoughts are with all of Ruth’s family in this most difficult and sad time.
Kathy Gallo

December 09, 2020

Ruth was so special to so many. I am truly blessed to have known her. May she rest in peace
Jordan

Services: Saturday, November 07, 2020; 11:00 AM; Greenwood Cemetery; 719 Highland Avenue; Lancaster, PA 17603
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