Ruth Whalen Herter

Ruth Whalen Herter, 98, of Wilbraham, MA and Bluffton SC passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 8th, on Hilton Head Island, SC. She was born in Millerton, N.Y. on Oct. 25, 1915, the daughter of Hazel Card and Thomas C. Whalen, the oldest of six children born to a musical family. Her happy 63 year marriage to famous fisherman, Henry "Red" Herter ended with his death in 2005. Ruth was a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, a noted portrait and watercolor artist, and long time favorite art teacher in the Wilbraham schools. In their retirement, Red and Ruth traveled the country in their camper, Red fishing from the shores while Ruth spent hundreds of hours painting landscapes. An encouraging teacher, her great love of art, music and the outdoors inspired everyone who met her. She amazed us all with her perfect pitch and ability to pick out any melody on a piano. She treasured her time on the dock by the May River, watching the sunsets, each one better than the one before. She made sure we all saw the natural beauty of the world. Every single day, she considered others first and we were always greeted by her resolute optimistic spirit - honored and happy to be included in her most beautiful world. On the occasion of her 98th birthday oyster roast, she cheerfully toasted family and friends with, "May you all feel as good as I do". She leaves a brother, Dr. Thomas (Hazel) Whalen of Montgomery, MA, sisters Ellen Rydell, East Longmeadow, MA and Annette Dourte, Austin TX, daughters Jonina Herter (Norman Gay), NYC, Laurel Herter (Roger Gump), Bluffton, SC, and son Steve Herter (Bonnie) of Los Barriles, Mexico. Grandchildren are Noah Gay, Santa Barbara, CA, Anna Gay, Los Angeles, CA, George Herter, Steamboat Springs, CO, Tom Herter, Dallas, TX and Erica Larson, Winter Park, FL, and great 2 grandchildren Ava and Blaise Gay. She was preceded in death by her beloved brothers Martin Whalen and William (Mary) Whalen. There are but a few people of every generation who beam their light far into the future. Ruth Whalen Herter's dancing smile, and bright humor will glow steadily over a legion of relatives, friends and students who all had the good fortune to share her gentle power and grace. The family would like to extend deep gratitude and friendship to Bev Riemer, Renee Fedorko, James Larson, Wileen Steinberg, and Jennifer Adams. Together with the kind, dedicated and professional team from Tidewater Hospice, all were an important part of allowing Ruth to enjoy her last days in the love and comfort of family and friends. Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton, SC is in charge of arrangements. There will be a memorial celebrating Ruth's life at the Wilbraham United Church, Wilbraham, MA, on Feb. 28 at 2:00. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals-On-Wheels, PO Box 23691, Hilton Head. SC 29925. Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton, SC is in charge of arrangements. There will be a memorial celebrating Ruthâ