Ruth Berman Mellion, age 102 years old, a resident of West Hartford, Conn., for over 70 years, passed away peacefully on Nov. 29, 2021. Ruth was married for 56 years to the late Dr. Gilbert LeVine Mellion, who predeceased her in March 1999. Born in New Haven, Conn. on August 31, 1919, Ruth was the granddaughter of Abraham and Jennie Stone, who founded the Columbia Lumber Company in New Haven, prior to World War I. Ruth’s adoring mother, Ida Stone, was married to Barnett Berman, a 1904 graduate of Yale and one of the first Jewish lawyers in New Haven. Barnett passed away when Ruth was 10 years old in 1929. Ruth happily grew up and attended school in New Haven, until she was 15 years old. 

She spent her youthful summers at the Stone family cottage on the shore at Morningside, Conn., where her lifelong love of the ocean and swimming began. In September, 1934, after Ida married her second husband, Ben Abrams, Ruth’s life at 12 Rockville Street in Hartford commenced. She later graduated from Weaver High School, in June, 1937.

In March, 1939, Ruth met her future husband, Gilbert, the roommate of her brother Benton Berman, on the Storrs campus of the University of Connecticut. In the fall, 1940, Ruth and Gil adventuresomely travelled by train, to Indiana, for both of them to attend Indiana University. Ruth enthusiastically received her bachelor of arts degree in nutrition in May, 1942, followed by Gilbert proudly receiving his dental degree in August 1943 from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. They returned to Hartford and were married on September 12, 1943 at the Bond Hotel in Hartford. After World War II, while raising their four young children, Ruth began collaborating with Gilbert in writing and publishing articles on the relationship of nutrition to dental health.

In 1960, Ruth began her creative third grade teaching career in Newington, Conn., which lasted for 27 years. She travelled extensively with Gilbert, both domestically and internationally, during school vacations, to put together an enriched curriculum for her students. In June, 1965, Ruth received her masters degree in education from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Conn..

Upon retiring in June, 1987, Ruth continued her passion for learning, art and music. She was a docent at the New Britain Museum of American Art and pursued watercolor painting. She returned to playing the piano and enjoying her life long love of classical music, which had begun during her childhood in New Haven. She was an engaged member of Temple Beth Israel for over 60 years, which included teaching Sunday School. Ruth spent the winter months for 26 years in Fountain Hills, Ariz., partaking of the diverse desert culture and scenery which she loved.

Ruth will be fondly remembered for her peppy, light hearted spirit, and loving, supportive, caring ways. She had a positive outlook on life and a sense of humor that made her a delight to be around.

Ruth is survived by her devoted children: sons Paul LeVine Mellion of Hancock, N.H.,and Dan LeVine Mellion of Lower Lake, Calif. Also her daughter, Joan LeVine Mellion and her partner, Kenneth Lavin, of Hidden Valley Lake, Calif. Ruth’s oldest son, Bruce LeVine Mellion of Norwalk, Conn., predeceased her in September 2015. Ruth’s beloved brother Benton, predeceased her in November 2006. Benton’s wife, Charlotte Berman, had an enduring sisterly friendship with Ruth for over 65 years.

May Ruth’s spirit, wisdom and love, carry on in the hearts and lives of numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends, both young and old, who knew and loved her.

Funeral services were held on Dec. 12, 2021 at Temple Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, Conn. Burial was next to her beloved Gilbert, at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford, Conn. Contributions in Ruth’s memory, may be made to the Children’s Section of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, 100 Garfield Street, Newington, Conn. 06111. Tel: ( 860) 665-8730.

Any questions regarding Ruth’s passing, please contact her daughter, Joan LeVine Mellion at email: taia1@mindspring.com or at (415) 686-2629.