Ruth Marie Hartman

Ruth Marie (Eade) Hartman passed away peacefully on April 15, 2020.  She was born on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1929, the daughter of Ben Cooper Eade and Marie Veronica Kegel.  She married Owen B “Moon” Hartman in 1951.  Ruth and Moon spent many happy years together, enjoying gardening, tending their greenhouses and raising their kids on the farm. The family would camp and vacation many summers on Wine Lake, Ontario.  Ruth was an entrepreneur of their vegtable business which began as produce sales in their front yard and eventually grew into a full fledged vegetable stand, “Hartman Brothers Produce” next to the Sandwich Airport.  She was bookeeper for Hartman & Parris Masonry, all the while remaining a stay at home mom. Ruth & Moon operated a greenhouse business in the early 70’s at their farm which flourished until Moon’s sudden death in 1976.

Ruth was mother to Douglas Hartman, who preceded her in death, Jean (Ron) Miehlke, David (Elizabeth) Hartman, Harry (Molly) Hartman, John (Dolores) Hartman, Elizabeth “Betsy” (Dee) Shufelt, Amy Hartman and two step daughters Connie (Tom) Clementz and Cindy Black.  She was known as just “Gramma” to 27 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and many of the of her familiy’s close freinds. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Moon, son Doug, stepdaughter Cindy, and four grandchildren.

Ruth loved all plants and animals, especially her many beloved dogs, from Judy (1930’s) to Annie at the end. Ruth was an avid quilter who made hundreds of quilts for her expanding family, as well as donating many to senior homes, orphanages and other charitable causes.  She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and other handiwork. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity and kindness, and was the inspiration one could only hope for.  We love you mom/grandma/friend.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Ruth later this summer at a location to be announced. Memorials may be made to The Ben C Eade Scholarship, c/o The Sandwich Education Foundation, PO Box 44, Sandwich IL 60548.