Ruth (Berman) Mellion

Ruth Berman Mellion, 102 years old, a resident of
West Hartford, Conn., for over 70 years, passed away peacefully
on November 29, 2021. Ruth was married
for 56 years to the late Dr. Gilbert LeVine Mellion,
who predeceased her, in March, 1999
Born in New Haven, Connecticut on August 31, 1919, Ruth was the
granddaughter of Abraham and Jennie Stone, who founded the Columbia
Lumber Company in New Haven, prior to World War I. Ruth’s adoring mother, Ida
Stone, was married to Barnett Berman, a 1904 graduate of Yale and one
of the first Jewish lawyers in New Haven. Barnett passed away when
Ruth was 10 years old in 1929
Ruth happily grew up and attended school in New Haven, until
she was 15 years old. She spent her youthful summers at the Stone
family cottage on the shore at Morningside, Connnecticut, where her
lifelong love of the ocean and swimming began.
In September, 1934, after Ida married her second husband, Ben Abrams,
Ruth’s life at 12 Rockville Street in Hartford commenced. She later graduated from
Weaver High School, in June, 1937.
In March, 1939, Ruth met her future husband, Gilbert, the roommate
of her brother Benton Berman, on the Storrs campus of the University of
Connecticut. In the fall, 1940, Ruth and Gil adventuresomely travelled by
train, to Indiana, for both of them to attend Indiana University. Ruth
enthusiastically received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Nutrition in May,
1942, followed by Gilbert proudly receiving his dental degree in August 1943 from
the Indiana University School of Dentistry.
They returned to Hartford and were on married on September 12, 1943
at the Bond Hotel in Hartford. After World War II, while raising their four
young children, Ruth began collaborating with Gilbert, in writing and publishing
articles on the relationship of nutrition to dental health.
In 1960, Ruth began her creative 3rd grade teaching career
in Newington, Conn. which lasted for 27 years. She travelled extensively
with Gilbert, both domestically and internationally during school vacations,
to put together an enriched curriculum for her students. In June, 1965, Ruthreceived her Masters Degree in Education from Central Connecticut State College in New Britain, Connecticut.
Upon retiring in June, 1987, Ruth continued her passion for learning,
art and music. She was a docent at the New Britain Museum of American
Art and pursued watercolor painting. She returned to playing the piano
and enjoying her life long love of classical music, which had begun during
her childhood in New Haven. She was an engaged member of Temple
Beth Israel for over 60 years, which included teaching Sunday School.
Ruth spent the winter months for 26 years in Fountain Hills, Arizona,
partaking of the diverse desert culture and scenery which she loved.
Ruth will be fondly remembered for her peppy, light hearted spirit,
and loving, supportive, caring ways. She had a positive outlook on life and
a sense of humor that made her a delight to be around.
Ruth is survived by her devoted children: sons Paul LeVine
Mellion of Hancock, New Hampshire and Dan LeVine Mellion of Lower
Lake, California . Also her daughter, Joan LeVine Mellion
and her partner, Kenneth Lavin, of Hidden Valley Lake, California. Ruth’s oldest
son, Bruce LeVine Mellion of Norwalk, Connecticut, predeceased her in
September, 2015.
Ruth’s beloved brother Benton, predeceased her in November, 2006.
Benton’s wife, Charlotte Berman, had an enduring sisterly friendship
with Ruth, for over 65 years.
May Ruth’s spirit, wisdom and love, carry on in the hearts and lives
of numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends, both young
and old, who knew and loved her.
Funeral services were held on December 12, 2021 at
Temple Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford,
Connecticut. Burial was next to her beloved Gilbert, at
Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford, Conn.
Contributions in Ruth’s memory, may be made to the Children’s
Section of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, 100 Garfield Street,
Newington, Conn. 06111.Telephone ( 860) 665-8730.

Contributions in Ruth’s memory, may be made to the Children’s

Section of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, 100 Garfield Street,

Newington, Conn. 06111.Telephone ( 860) 665-8730.