Justice Watch Support JW "Ruth Ann Gerstenkorn" [ Main ] [ Post New Thread ] [ Help ] [ Search ] Table of Contents ................................................................... Ruth Ann Gerstenkorn, Chris, 22:57:18, 3/12/2001 No words..., Country Girl, 23:21:18, 3/12/2001, (#1) speechless, mame, 23:22:38, 3/12/2001, (#2) ........, canadiana, 23:27:09, 3/12/2001, (#3) oh chris, Gemini, 23:27:24, 3/12/2001, (#4) God's Speed and God's Blessings..., Voyager, 23:29:38, 3/12/2001, (#5) ., ibnora, 23:38:24, 3/12/2001, (#6) ., LizzieB, 23:42:05, 3/12/2001, (#7) So sad, Starling, 23:49:32, 3/12/2001, (#10) What can I say?, Imbackon, 23:43:53, 3/12/2001, (#8) Oh, Chris, Ev, 23:45:44, 3/12/2001, (#9) Ruhtee..., Pedro, 23:55:19, 3/12/2001, (#11) So touched by, Msracoon, 23:59:48, 3/12/2001, (#12) I miss her ...., Questioner, 00:26:46, 3/13/2001, (#13) Rest In peace Ruthee, Annette, 00:38:46, 3/13/2001, (#15) God Bless you Ruthee, katie, 00:36:33, 3/13/2001, (#14) Ruthee, China, 00:47:18, 3/13/2001, (#16) Dear sweet Ruthee,, shana, 00:51:03, 3/13/2001, (#17) Remember, MrsBrady, 01:57:30, 3/13/2001, (#18) Maw and Chris, Kathy, 08:58:22, 3/13/2001, (#48) Maw, Chris, 06:30:25, 3/13/2001, (#34) Ruthee, Chris..., dustii, 02:53:12, 3/13/2001, (#19) Ruthee, starry, 02:59:28, 3/13/2001, (#20) Chris, momo, 04:12:57, 3/13/2001, (#21) Goodbye, Ruthee, mary99, 04:20:39, 3/13/2001, (#22) Goodbye, Ruthee, pybird, 04:57:16, 3/13/2001, (#23) Ruthee, Sixpence, 05:02:23, 3/13/2001, (#24) Ruthee, Twitch, 05:08:40, 3/13/2001, (#26) What a beautiful person..., Pretzel, 05:08:38, 3/13/2001, (#25) A Woman of Substance, Lacey, 06:02:04, 3/13/2001, (#28) God Speed , Harley, 06:01:08, 3/13/2001, (#27) Ruthee, driver, 06:26:39, 3/13/2001, (#32) An aching heart, Watching you, 06:26:21, 3/13/2001, (#31) A very moving piece Chris..., Dr. Who, 06:17:54, 3/13/2001, (#29) Ruthee, Matilda, 06:29:27, 3/13/2001, (#33) A Poem Written By Ruthee, Chris, 06:25:52, 3/13/2001, (#30) Soar with the Angels Ruthee, v_p, 06:50:51, 3/13/2001, (#35) Ruthee, Sabrina, 07:04:09, 3/13/2001, (#36) Ruthee, 1000Sparks, 07:08:07, 3/13/2001, (#37) Chris, Rose1, 07:12:16, 3/13/2001, (#38) Chris, Waiting, 07:28:17, 3/13/2001, (#40) Ruthee, Mrsrick, 07:24:18, 3/13/2001, (#39) Ruthee, LoriAnn, 07:31:17, 3/13/2001, (#41) Ruthee, Colorado Babe, 07:53:36, 3/13/2001, (#42) To Ruthee, Frank & Chris, janphi, 08:07:53, 3/13/2001, (#44) Ruthee was one of a kind...., szundi, 08:12:19, 3/13/2001, (#45) Ruthee, DuBois, 07:58:17, 3/13/2001, (#43) Yesterday, RiverRat, 08:14:41, 3/13/2001, (#46) Heartfelt Condolences..., Dunvegan, 09:04:02, 3/13/2001, (#49) Chris, DebDeb, 08:28:38, 3/13/2001, (#47) ................................................................... "Ruth Ann Gerstenkorn" Posted by Chris on 23:19:44 3/12/2001 NOTE: This message was last edited 23:19:44, 3/12/2001 I went to visit Ruthee knowing full well that she would be different than the last time I had seen her. The last time we were together was with Denver/Digerati in Vegas, a year and a half ago. Never one to arrive without fanfare, Ruthee had descended the jetway in big Jackie-O style sunglasses and a wig. She was wearing a homemade nametag sporting the name of a code-six wignut whom we often laugh about (and at). Ruthee's husband Frank had prepared me for her current condition. He said, "She's not the Ruthee you remember." With an air of confidence I nodded, thinking to myself I can handle seeing Ruthee without hair. I had spoken with her on the phone just a couple of weeks ago and she sure seemed like the same old Ruthee to me then - laughing and joking around. When I saw her for the first time I was somewhat surprised. She has lost a lot of weight, her arms and shoulders are thin. Even her face, in spite of what she calls her "turkey waddles" was thin. Her eyes were bigger than I had ever realized. She was wearing a blue bandana on her head. I sat down beside her hospital bed, aka command central. The house revolved around that bed which took up nearly all of her office space. A room that was Ruthee through and through -- books about homicides right next to the books about collectibles right beside a big binder with writing on the spine that read, "JAMESON'S LIES." Little trinkets, a big Mickey Mouse clock on the wall and her PC. As we began to talk she kept reaching for the blue bandana - adjusting it, moving it here, moving it there, pushing it up, pulling it down. It wasn't her at all. She knew it and I suspect she knew that I knew it. I said, "It won't bother me if you take that off, it doesn't look like you're very comfortable wearing it." The words were hardly out of my mouth and she had discarded it. I looked at her head. It was covered with the fine wispy blond hair of a newborn baby. It swirled at the ends. It was like seeing my son's head full of soft blond hair for the first time. I wanted to touch it but didn't want to embarrass her. She said, "Come on, let's get the crying over with!" I couldn't cry, I just wanted to look at her. On the left side of her head, just above her ear she has a cyst. It is about 2" in diameter and is raised about 1/4" above the skull. She is assured that it is on the outside of her skull and that is harmless. I can tell it bothers her - maybe she is just self-conscious of it. She keeps touching it. We talked for some time. It was difficult for her to talk. Over the last couple of weeks she has experienced a problem with the right side of her face. The doctors suggest that it could be something as trivial as Bell's Palsy to something more serious (that I can't pronounce). She has spent the last two weeks getting radiation treatments to her head and will finish up this round of treatments on Thursday the 8th of March. The problem makes it difficult for her to express herself in the usual vivacious manner I am accustomed to. The muscles don't work the way she wants them to. I can see she is frustrated. I am intent to listen carefully so I don't have to ask her to repeat herself and also careful not to try to finish her sentences or thoughts for her as a mother might do for a young child. Catching up on the lives of our families, the forum and of course, the case. I could tell she was beginning to get tired. Frank and I went and had breakfast while she rested. While he was around Ruthee, he was upbeat and positive. When we were alone he let his guard down a bit and I could see the fear in his eyes. The sadness. The powerlessness came through loud and clear. As I watched him tend to Ruthee I was struck by his intensity. It was as if he thought that by doing everything he could - making sure she had her meds at the right time, making sure she ate the right things, making sure she had everything she needed whenever she needed it, he could save her from the beast that was trying to beat them both down. Later that evening the three of us went out to dinner. I arrived at their home just as Ruthee was finishing applying her makeup. She looked beautiful in a burgundy sweater. Not knowing what to do to busy myself, I took a seat in the study. When she was ready to go, Frank went into her room and helped her into a wheelchair which he rolled out to their van. As I stood back in the doorway and watched, I was overcome with emotion. I felt like I was intruding on a secret dance of intimacy between this man and woman. With every thought and action only for her well-being he wheeled her to the van, opened the door and helped her stand up. She gripped the door of the van while he pushed the wheelchair out of the way and he carefully yet purposely helped her into the seat. I thought to myself that was one of the most incredible expressions of true and unconditional love I had ever witnessed. Ruthee is still affected by the leg she broke several months ago so it's a bit of a trick for Frank to get her into the van. He slides her onto a board that straddles the area between the two seats, pushes her almost over to the driver's seat and then turns her around so she faces forward in the passenger seat. He loads the wheelchair in the back, hops in, slides the board out from under her bottom and helps her with her seat belt. And, he smiles at her. We arrived at the restaurant (in the pouring down rain). Three wet rats, we were shown to a table. Frank jumped up and said, "oh, I forgot the kleenex." Ruthee sat there quietly as a trickle of blood ran from her nose while Frank went back to the van for the tissues. Again, I felt helpless to do anything to help. We made idle chit chat while waiting for him to return - both ignoring the red line that ran from her nose. An effect of the radiation she later told me...along with double-vision and problems with her hearing. The next day we had lunch together with Ev. It was fun to meet another of our forum family! I only wished we had more time together. I think we could have solved the case! I was thrilled when I mentioned it to Ruthee on Sunday and she wanted to join us. Later in the day, I went back over to visit some more with Ruthee. She was sleeping when I arrived. Later when she woke up we talked some more. I was trying not to think that this might well be the last time I saw her. Yet, I wondered if she was thinking the same thing. I forced myself to talk about plans for the future...a trip to Boulder maybe, when she's feeling stronger. Or maybe Vegas - anywhere where there is sun, we both agreed! In spite of the frailties she shows on the outside, Ruthee's eyes are still very much alive and as deep and full as ever. There is no time for self-pity or anger. Only getting on with life. After this last round of radiation Ruthee expects to begin therapy to regain her strength, both in her legs and arms which were affected by the carcenoma in her bones. Her pain is gone from the bones - she continues to have pain in her abdomen, which is where the radiation treatments were directed at, as well as headaches. As we said our good-bye's I told her I love her as I leaned over to kiss her. The table was in the way so I wound up kissing that beautiful, fine baby hair on her head. It felt exactly as it had when I kissed my baby's head for the very first time. And, in my heart I hope that is the signal for Ruthee's rebirth. March 12, 2001 Update My dear sweet friend, Ruthee has passed on to be with the angels tonight. She passed quietly and without pain. She's surely running through the clouds with Babe, Panico and Allipat as we speak. All of her pain and suffering is behind her. Thank you all for caring. I know it meant a lot to Ruthee and Frank that everyone took so much time to be so kind. Good Night Sweet Ruth. Goodspeed. [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 1. "No words..." Posted by Country Girl on 23:21:18 3/12/2001 Peace Ruthee. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 2. "speechless" Posted by mame on 23:22:38 3/12/2001 bless you ruthee... and chris i send my love. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 3. "........" Posted by canadiana on 23:27:09 3/12/2001 Peace be with you Ruthee. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 4. "oh chris" Posted by Gemini on 23:27:24 3/12/2001 When I came in and saw her name, I was afraid ... then it seemed you were doing a nice, in depth, retrospect of your visit. Thank you for setting it up this way. It's such a fine personal tribute for a sweet lady. RIP, Ruthee. There's another empty chair here that will never be filled. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 5. "God's Speed and God's Blessings..." Posted by Voyager on 23:29:38 3/12/2001 to our Ruthee...With much Love, Voyager..... [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 6. "." Posted by ibnora on 23:38:24 3/12/2001 Fare thee well ruthee, my friend. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 7. "." Posted by LizzieB on 23:42:05 3/12/2001 Into the light, Ruthee. You will be missed. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 10. "So sad" Posted by Starling on 23:49:32 3/12/2001 My heartfelt sympathy to her family and the many friends she cherrished. Starling [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 8. "What can I say?" Posted by Imbackon on 23:43:53 3/12/2001 It is so sad that another person who was seeking justice for JBR has now left us. I know she was a tireless crusader and I am sure a great loss to all who knew and loved her. My sympathy to her family, Imbackon [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 9. "Oh, Chris" Posted by Ev on 23:45:44 3/12/2001 I cannot tell you how much this hurts, given just this evening we rode through Ruthee's town once again on our way home from Reno, and we were discussing our meeting the both of you and Frank for lunch a mere week ago. You truly did the most wonderful thing of coming out for your visit when you did, and thank you for the warm tribute you wrote in her honor. It's plain to see how much she meant to you. I hope that Frank knows just how special she was to JW and how much she will be missed by a huge number of people. I'm sure that Ruthee knew that from the many kindnesses extended during her illness. I hardly know what to say, except that I am honored to have met her, despite what was her waning days. Thank you for your tender words. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 11. "Ruhtee..." Posted by Pedro on 23:55:19 3/12/2001 ...you did enjoy your life, I know you'll enjoy your rest. You will be missed. Chris, please transmit my regrets to Mr.Ruthee, he's the one in need now, Ruthee is well take care for where she's at. Pedro. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 12. "So touched by" Posted by Msracoon on 23:59:48 3/12/2001 your sharing of Ruthee, Chris, and touched by the Holy Spirit as I read. May the Lord be with her sweet husband now and comfort him. Such love. Thank you. Ms.Rac. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 13. "I miss her ...." Posted by Questioner on 00:26:46 3/13/2001 I can't imagine how profound Ruthee's family's grief is. Thanks for telling us, Chris. Love to all. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 15. "Rest In peace Ruthee" Posted by Annette on 00:38:46 3/13/2001 Deepest sympathy to "Mr Ruthee". Thankyou Chris for that wonderful tribute. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 14. "God Bless you Ruthee" Posted by katie on 00:36:33 3/13/2001 Some people's life journey touches many lives. So was Ruthee's. She was an inspiration to many of us here. She will be deeply missed and we will always remember her courage to keep the hope alive of justice for JBR. My deepest sympathy to your family. Rest in Peace. (colorado-an) [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 16. "Ruthee" Posted by China on 00:47:18 3/13/2001 LAMENT Listen, children: Your father is dead. From his old coats I'll make you little jackets; I'll make you little trousers From his old pants. There'll be in his pockets Things he used to put there, Keys and pennies Covered with tobacco; Dan shall have the pennies To save in his bank; Anne shall have the keys To make a pretty noise with. Life must go on, And the dead be forgotten; Life must go on, Though good men die; Anne, eat your breakfast; Dan, take your medicine; Life must go on; I forget just why. Edna St. Vincent Millay [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 17. "Dear sweet Ruthee," Posted by shana on 00:51:03 3/13/2001 You will never be forgotten by those whose lives you touched. You will forever be remembered for your vigilance. You will always be cherished by those blessed to know you. Be with the light - Godspeed! Love, shana [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 18. "Remember" Posted by MrsBrady on 01:57:30 3/13/2001 ...the night she found Zak's watch? It was right there where she said it would be, where he took off his shoes! ...her purloining a wine glass from Pasta Jay's, by flirting with Jay himself? ...when she told me "a man is going to come to see you about some cows"? My daughter was sitting a few feet away - wearing flannel boxer shorts with a Gateway Computer cow print. I just washed, dryed and folded those boxers yesterday afternoon, and I was thinking about Ruthee. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 48. "Maw and Chris" Posted by Kathy on 08:58:22 3/13/2001 Group hug..We were the fab four... [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 34. "Maw" Posted by Chris on 06:30:25 3/13/2001 Yes, I've thought about that almost every day since we learned that Ruthee was so sick. I don't know how I will break this sad news to a little boy who called her "Aunt Ruthee" and spent one of the best weeks of his life at "Camp Gerstenkorn." [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 19. "Ruthee, Chris..." Posted by dustii on 02:53:12 3/13/2001 That was a beautiful and loving tribute Chris, Thank you. To Ruthee's family, my condolences, and love. A special lady. "There is no night without a dawning, No winter without a Spring, And beyond deaths dark horizon Our hearts once more will sing - For those who leave us for a while Have only gone away Out of a restless, careworn world Into a Brighter day Where there will be no partings And time is not counted by years Where there are no trials or troubles, No worries, no cares and no tears." (Helen Steiner Rice) God Speed Ruthee..... [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ EMAIL dustii ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 20. "Ruthee" Posted by starry on 02:59:28 3/13/2001 Chris, I am so sorry that you have to break this sad news to us, and Mr. Gerkerstorn, how my heart is breaking for you as I know your Ruthee was the love of your life. She is whole once again. Rest in peace, dear Ruthee. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 21. "Chris" Posted by momo on 04:12:57 3/13/2001 What a beautiful post you have written about Ruthee. Although I never met her, she was such a champion for a little girl named JonBenet. May she rest in peace. The angels in heaven are singing. She'll finally get to dance with JonBenet. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 22. "Goodbye, Ruthee" Posted by mary99 on 04:20:39 3/13/2001 Your spirit lives on. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 23. "Goodbye, Ruthee" Posted by pybird on 04:57:16 3/13/2001 You are missed by many. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 24. "Ruthee" Posted by Sixpence on 05:02:23 3/13/2001 ..and even though there are roses, the world still breaks my heart.. ..good good night ..Ruthee [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 26. "Ruthee" Posted by Twitch on 05:08:40 3/13/2001 God bless you and thank you for letting us know you. Peace be with you now. Prayers for Mr. Ruthee and Chris. I'm glad you got to see her, Chris. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 25. "What a beautiful person..." Posted by Pretzel on 05:08:38 3/13/2001 Remember John Donne's (1572-1631) famous lines that insist that death is not the final sleep, but the final awakening. She won the ultimate battle with life. May Ruthee be awake eternally...soaring with the angels. Pretzel [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 28. "A Woman of Substance" Posted by Lacey on 06:02:04 3/13/2001 I will always remember Ruthee as the gracious, confident, ageless woman I saw on Leeza. She chose her own attire. She did her own make-up. She was beautiful. Good-bye, Ruthee. Lacey [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 27. "God Speed " Posted by Harley on 06:01:08 3/13/2001 and God Bless Ruthee and Mr. Ruthee. Chris thank you for your loving tribute. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 32. "Ruthee" Posted by driver on 06:26:39 3/13/2001 We're all sad. We loved you and your wise, devilish ways. You are one of the bright lights of this world. Shine that light down on us occasionally to let us know that you are still thinking of us. We will miss your dearly, but rejoice that you are out of the darkness of the pain and ugliness of cancer. Bathe in the light, Ruthee. We will all meet again when it is our time. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 31. "An aching heart" Posted by Watching you on 06:26:21 3/13/2001 can bring the staunchest of us to our knees. My heart is aching for Ruthie's loss, there is no joy in JWville today. Chris and Mr. Ruthie - my heart goes out to both of you - Chris, because I know you are grieving hard, and Mr. Ruthie, because your loss is so deep. What a woman she was - I loved the way she dug her heels in and went after one who doesn't even warrant being mentioned in the same sentence as Ruthie. We grieve for her loss, but I am rejoicing in her release from pain and suffering and her return to the Other Side where there is no pain and suffering. Ruthie is not dead, she has only passed to another dimension. I hope to meet her there one day. Reunion on the Other Side: Ruthie, Panico, Allipat, and Babe. Now, it's the JW 4. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 29. "A very moving piece Chris..." Posted by Dr. Who on 07:18:13 3/13/2001 NOTE: This message was last edited 07:18:13, 3/13/2001 thanks for sharing your personal pain with us... God Bless You Ruthee. Help those closest to her in coping with her passing. Amen I will always remember the enjoyment I got from reading her many writings here, her web pages and the few eMails we exchanged. See you on the other side Ruthee... [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 33. "Ruthee" Posted by Matilda on 06:29:27 3/13/2001 My deepest sympathy to Ruthee's family in their sad loss. God Bless you Ruthee. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 30. "A Poem Written By Ruthee" Posted by Chris on 06:25:52 3/13/2001 This poem was written and posted by Ruthee after the Columbine tragedy. I have been thinking about it ever since my visit with her. I remember a day in April when the bearded iris bloom And the sun led way to rain and the peace led way to doom There's a hole in the hearts of many and a missing heart in some A time I will forever remember when the bearded iris come. Soon the crimson roses drop thier petals the wind to blow away and the lavender hue of the Iris fade in sorrow as willows sway In my garden there's a sadness in the flowers among the trees The humming birds still flutter but the petals ignore their breeze There's a flower in the meadow I spied it neath a birch I stopped to share it's pain as I made my way to church It drooped it's head with dew drops but they were tears to me A tiny little flower knowing horrors none should see The bloom whispered of the children now in the arms of God sublime What lovely flower is this I ask and God said Columbine As I trod the path of earthly plane with souls of children gone to soon I'll remember the day in April when the bearded Iris bloom. Ruth April 1999 One of my thoughts over the past few hours was that Ruthee passed away one week to the day and probably within the hour that we said our last good-byes. I just can't believe she's gone. Chris [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 35. "Soar with the Angels Ruthee" Posted by v_p on 06:50:51 3/13/2001 One night I met Ruthee in chat. She was saying something about someone threatening her ... she wasn't scared though ... she said "Mr. Ruthee" would protect her. We should all be so lucky and loved by someone like "Mr. Ruthee" at the end of our days. Your post moved me to tears Chris and I didn't know her nearly as well as most here. What a good person you are to have taken the time to be with her and comfort her. Ruthee will see our JonBenet now in a totally renewed and vital spirit ... somehow I know they will be a great joy to each other. The only joy to be found in this sadness is knowing she no longer suffers. God bless and comfort Frank. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 36. "Ruthee" Posted by Sabrina on 07:04:09 3/13/2001 Chris, thanks for sharing details of your visit with us. We know she has not given up her fight for justice for JonBenet, she has just moved to another place. My sympathies to the Ruthee family. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 37. "Ruthee" Posted by 1000Sparks on 07:08:07 3/13/2001 You are now with the angels. Enjoy your travels. You will be greatly missed. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 38. "Chris" Posted by Rose1 on 07:12:16 3/13/2001 I did not know Ruthee, other than hearing the name, but that was a wonderful write up on her. I wish I had been able to speak with her. Now she is with all angels, and a very special little angel, and now she knows the truth and no longer has to deal with lies......how wonderful that is. God Bless Ruthee, and Chris for his thoughtfulness and caring. (((hugs))) to Mr. Ruthee. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 40. "Chris" Posted by Waiting on 07:30:21 3/13/2001 NOTE: This message was last edited 07:30:21, 3/13/2001 You and Ruthee share a way with words. Thank you for your beautiful tribute to her, and for printing her poem which I intend to print off and keep. "Mr. Ruthee" sounds like a fabulous guy--- my sincere condolences to him. I hope he'll come through all this OK. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 39. "Ruthee" Posted by Mrsrick on 07:24:18 3/13/2001 Thank you Chris for sharing your visit with us. Condolences to her husband, Frank. I remember so many times she spoke so lovingly of him in chat and in her posts. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and by her internet "family". [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 41. "Ruthee" Posted by LoriAnn on 07:31:17 3/13/2001 Chris, I can't even begin to compete with the beautiful tribute that you have written about our dear friend, Ruthee. She loved you so much and she would be so very proud of you right now. Go rest high on that mountain, Ruthee. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 42. "Ruthee" Posted by Colorado Babe on 07:53:36 3/13/2001 I am so sad to hear of the loss of our dear friend "Ruthee." Ruthee brought so much energy and insight into this forum, she will be missed by all of us. I rejoice knowing that she is now with our lord in heaven and probally dancing with JonBenet! My heart aches for Mr. Ruthee and I hope that he knows that "we" the Justice Watch Family is here for him, if he should need us. My heartfelt thanks goes out to Chris for visiting Ruthee during her last days and expressing her love and friendship to her. "Ruthee" we love you and we will never forget you. Colorado Babe [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 44. "To Ruthee, Frank & Chris" Posted by janphi on 08:07:53 3/13/2001 "Truth is beauty, beauty truth," that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know. Ode on a Grecian Urn John Keats [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 45. "Ruthee was one of a kind...." Posted by szundi on 08:12:19 3/13/2001 ....and even though I didn't know her well, we did meet in chat and she would, on occasion, ask me to interpret some of the medical aspects of the case for her before she put them on her website. How fortunate, Chris, that you made it out to see her before she crossed over. Thanks to Ma Brady for putting all the names and 'hats' on her site today. This Easter there will be 5 lillies on the altar at Peachtree Prysbyterian from Justice-Watch. One each for our members and one for Jon Benét. Condolences to the Gerstenkorn family. szundi [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 43. "Ruthee" Posted by DuBois on 07:58:17 3/13/2001 You will be deeply missed by so many. My sympathies to MR. Ruthee. Chris, what a wonderful friendship you have shared. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 46. "Yesterday" Posted by RiverRat on 08:14:41 3/13/2001 I picked out a cute Easter card that had a reference to the energizer bunny to send to Ruthee. I just put it in the mailbox before I turned on the computer to find out I was too late. Just knowing that her pain is over in this life and that she is busy giving our baby girl hugs and kisses from each and every one of us right now will help comfort her loved ones here in her community family. Blessings to her family at home that took care of our special lady. Back to the mailbox...........another lesson learned on putting off to tomorrow........ [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 49. "Heartfelt Condolences..." Posted by Dunvegan on 09:04:02 3/13/2001 ...to Frank...Ruthee remains in our thoughts: a paragon of energy, elan, integrity, and justice... ...to Chris...and many thanks for the touching memorial tribute to Ruthee. An extraordinary woman, indeed. "Death is not extinguishing the light but putting out the lamp because the dawn has come." -Rabindranath Tagore [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ] 47. "Chris" Posted by DebDeb on 08:28:38 3/13/2001 Thank you for the beautiful remembrance you shared with us of Ruthee. The love her and Mr. Ruthee shared was pure gold. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family. [ REMOVE ] [ ALERT ] [ EDIT ] [ REPLY ] [ REPLY WITH QUOTE ] [ TOP ] [ MAIN ]