Ruth F. Sperber, 97, of Ocean City, passed peacefully in her sleep Oct. 5, 2023. She was born Feb. 18, 1926, in Moorestown, N.J., daughter of the late Lester and Elizabeth Hess.
Ruth was a native of Moorestown who married her high school sweetheart, Harry A. Sperber Jr, who predeceased her.
She studied music, obtained a bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a master’s degree in education and psychology from Penn State University.
She and her husband moved in 1946 to State College, Pa., where they raised three sons. She was an elementary and junior high school teacher for many years. Additionally, she worked with neurologically impaired students and developed techniques for helping special-needs children learn to read.
In 1973, she and Harry relocated to Surf City, N.J., where she continued to teach elementary school as well as serving as a school administrator. While she continued to teach, they moved to Ocean City in 1983.
A lifelong spiritual seeker, she was student/practitioner of Insight Meditation and certified as a yoga teacher and therapist. As a member of the International Association of Counselors and Therapists, she taught yoga and stress management for many years. She also studied shiatsu and reflexology and had a bodywork business for several years.
Ruth was the founder of the South Jersey Meditation Society in Egg Harbor Township. Upon retirement, she traveled to England and across the country to attend retreats as both a student and a mentor to those engaged in the spiritual aspects of meditation.
Ruth was loved by her students, both young and old. Regardless if the topic was ‘new’ math, reading, music or understanding the spiritual significance of day-to-day living, she left a lasting influence and is fondly remembered years later by her students.
She is remembered also for her life-long love of music as she played piano in churches, senior homes and at her own residence from childhood and into her last months.
Ruth was very active in the Ocean City Senior Center and enjoyed the beach and walking on the boardwalk. She also had a love for the mountains and in particular, spending time with her family on Lake Champlain in Vermont.
Ruth is survived by her two brothers: William Hess of Graham, N.C., and Howard Hess of Hampstead, N.C.; her three sons: Andy (Noreen) of Summerfield, Fla.; Ed (Kate) of Montclair, N.J.; and Mark (Sharon) of Bedminster, N.J. Also surviving are six granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in Ocean City at a later date.
