Ruth Belmont

Ruth Ann Belmont, 74, was called home to eternal life on June 10, 2021. That she was welcomed - far too soon - to the Kingdom of Heaven is fitting for a woman who, throughout her lifetime, selflessly opened her heart and her home to others.

Home was wherever Ruth was - her childhood house near her alma maters Lincoln High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, an apartment in Germany during the Vietnam War, "1018" in Omaha, Nebraska, where she raised her three children, or the spaces she shared with family in Valparaiso, Indiana, and most recently and briefly, Des Moines, Iowa. Ruth was known for opening her doors to neighbors and strangers - literally and figuratively, who left as chosen family and forever friends.

Ruth is lovingly adored and remembered by her children, Becky (Bill) Klein, Matt (Sara) Belmont, and Tim (Laura) Belmont; grandchildren, Haley Klein, Nick Belmont, and Mia Belmont; brother, Jim (Jane), Amen; former spouse, Jim (Cathy) Belmont; along with other beloved relatives and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Virginia Amen, who she compassionately tended to into their advanced age. She was a doting companion to her pups, Gabe and Padfoot.

Mom - as she was known by countless people - was small in stature, but towering in her love for others, her strong convictions, and her devotion to God. Becky and “the twins” fondly recall Saturday night Valentino’s pizza nights, frozen custard and fresh cherries on vacations in Door County, Sunday church services, Longaberger and Tupperware parties, and the unique words that Mom would craft, like when she talked about washing “unders” and said “Pachootles” to sneezes. One of the greatest joys of her life was being Grammy to Haley, Nick, and Mia. Grammy spoiled her "grands" with ice cream dates, endless books (and late bedtimes staying up reading all of those words), snuggles and laughs after tickles to their “tickle pits,” and handmade gifts.

She was boundlessly generous with her talents, her time, and her praise for God and others. Mom prepared meals for others going through difficult times, kept meticulously organized piles of fabric she used to sew hundreds of masks during the pandemic, and filled her home with the scent of baking cookies and lemon squares. She let others know how much they meant to her and how proud she was of them, telling them (and often Facebook) how her buttons bursted with love and pride.

She had a smart and sharp humor, with a pun or witty comment for almost every occasion. Mom was tech-savvy and could navigate her Apple devices with more ease than those half her age. She loved the color yellow, sunflowers, tasteful jewelry, soft matching pajama sets, and practical new shoes. She never complained.

Mom was welcoming of all people and was instrumental in creating the faith-based organization "Fresh Hope," which provides support and services for people with mental illness. She was a dedicated member of PEO and active in her churches as an organist and member of the choir.
Mom loved traveling the world, especially visiting family in Scandinavia, taking mission trips with her church, and enjoying Disney vacations. But most of all, she loved coming home.

A private family service will be held at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Fresh Hope, https://www.freshhope.us/donate/.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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