Ruth E. Karsten

St. Joseph ? Ruth (Amstutz) Karsten, 94, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away May 11, 2002, at Golden Pines Care Center, Stevensville. Ruth was born July 29, 1907, in Sterling, Ohio, the daughter of Ulrich and Mary Hartzler Amstutz. She was a starter on her high school basketball team, which won the state championship. After receiving her B.A. from the College of Wooster in northeast Ohio, she taught English at Sebring High School until her marriage to Arnold M. Karsten in 1934. Throughout her life in St. Joseph, she served in many capacities in the school system. Ruth was a teacher at St. Joseph High School, Coordinator for the election books for the system and worked for the Berrien County Health Department in later years as the Hearing Screening Technician for all local area schools in the Twin Cities. She was a charter member of the local American Association of University Women, a member of the E.P. Clarke Study Group and was active in Sunday school work and enjoyed the Women?s Fellowship at Zion United Church of Christ, St. Joseph. Her son, John, preceded her in death in 1953. Ruth was very proud that annually the John Karsten Award is presented to a St. Joseph High School senior for academic and athletic achievements. He husband Arnold, passed away in 1976. Three sisters and a brother also preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter Jan (Fred) Polmanteer of St. Joseph, and granddaughters, Jill Polmanteer and Lynn Polmanteer. She played in several bridge clubs for many years. An avid reader, Ruth usually had a large print book on her lap. When visiting Jan and Fred, she loved having a cat on her lap. She loved Peace roses and gardening. Most of all, she loved being with her family, discussing current events, politics, and controversial issues. On occasion, her granddaughters tapped into her vast knowledge of grammar and word usage. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home, Lincoln Township Library-Large Print Section, or Zion United Church of Christ, St. Joseph. A celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday at 4 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Where visitation will be held from 3:30 to 4p.m. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery. We invite you to send a condolence message to the family at www.starks-menchinger.com