Obituary: Ruth Fleming

Ruth Fleming, at 90
Ruth Ostertag Fleming, of Marblehead and formerly of Hingham and Hull, died June 2 at Devereaux House in Marblehead at the age of 90.
She led a rich and interesting life, sweetened by fine German chocolate and the love of her family. 
Born April 8, 1929, and raised in Esslingen, Germany, Ruth was the daughter of Friedrich and Katherine Ostertag.
After completing her studies, she served as a translator and assistant to the U.S. Army in Stuttgart, Germany, and later transferred to Washington, D.C., to support the Fulbright Scholar Program, a role she enjoyed thoroughly. 
In 1969, she settled with her young family in Hull, where she marked many milestones over the years. A gifted artist, Ruth was a sculptor, potter, painter, and expert calligrapher whose works earned acclaim in local art shows and exhibits throughout the South Shore. For more than 20 years, she shared her talents as an art consultant at the Eugene Gallery, a longtime institution on Charles Street in Boston. 
A true European at heart, Ruth returned to Germany summer after summer, where she joined her mother and beloved sister, Fridl Ostertag, to travel, laugh, collect wildflowers, and explore the Alps.
In her later years, Ruth lived in Hingham and worked at the Weymouth Public Library, where she remained in close touch with friends and neighbors. Many remember her masterful baking, love of quips and witticisms, and her spirited Elvis Presley parties. 
Ruth is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Kurt and Laura Fleming, and her two beloved grandsons, Hunter and Camden Fleming, of Marblehead. 
To celebrate her life, a memorial service will be held Thursday, June 20, at 11 a.m. at The Old North Church, 35 Washington St., Marblehead. 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Raw Art Works, 37 Central Square, Lynn, MA, or www.rawartworks.org. 
Ruth’s family extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the caregivers and staff at Allerton House Assisted Living in Hingham and Devereaux House Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing in Marblehead. They cared for Ruth for many years with profound kindness and grace.