Worked for American Red Cross
Published in the January 29, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Ruth W. (Otto) Christensen, 93, a resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 23.
Ruth was born on July 26, 1922 in Cambridge and was one of three children of the late William E. and Merian L. (Buckley) Otto. Raised in the Beachmont section of Revere, Ruth grew up within walking distance of the ocean and graduated from Revere High School. After a chance meeting along Revere Beach Boulevard, she married the late Albert E. Christensen on June 28, 1942 and they settled in Melrose in the house Al grew up in.
Ruth’s working career consisted of several jobs. She worked in small assembly for Transitron in Melrose for several years, clerical work for Sears Roebuck in Boston and then later as a telephone operator for the American Red Cross.
A child of the Depression, Ruth was a sensible, independent woman who had strong family values and loved a good bargain. She loved celebrating the holidays with lots of homemade decorations, going out for Chinese food and the Trinity Thrift Shop. Ruth was very generous with her family and refused to let anything go to waste.
Ruth loved children and was happy to spend time with kids of all ages as a Sunday School teacher for many years. She served as the superintendent of primary education at the Maplewood Baptist Church and taught vacation Bible School during the summer. She also served as a Brownie Leader and Girl Scout Leader.
In her free time, Ruth enjoyed crocheting, all types of crafts and playing (and often winning) bridge with the 200 Club at the Milano Senior Center.
Fun loving and cheerful, Ruth enjoyed a good time. She loved spending time with family, gathering for the holidays, being at home in her garden, and especially loved her tulips. She will be lovingly remembered by her family, especially for her feisty nature and sharp sense of humor.
Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Albert E. Christensen, with whom she shared 36 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Laurel A. Choate and her late husband David of Melrose and Elaine Christensen of Iron Mountain, Mich. She was the dear sister of William Otto and his wife Gladys of South San Francisco and the late Laurel Fryslie. She was the loving grandmother of Scott Christensen of Iron Mountain, Mich., Stephen Choate of Wakefield, Michael Choate and his wife Brie of Saugus;and Jennifer Bowdridge and her husband Todd of Athol. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Gwen Bowdridge. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Ruth during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Jan. 28, and again on Friday morning for her Funeral Service at 9 a.m. For directions or online tribute, RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
