Ruth Ann Hultgren

SURFSIDE BEACH, SC - Ruth Ann Hultgren, 95, of Surfside Beach, SC passed away peacefully, in her home, surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday morning, August 16, 2023.

Ruth was born at home in Wallingford, CT on May 30, 1928, to Alva and Anna Fournier. She is survived by her loving husband of over 70 years, John (Johnny) Hultgren, her son, John (Julie) Hultgren of Woodbridge, CT, her loving daughter, Linda Hultgren of Murrells Inlet, SC, grandson, Ryan Hultgren (Kylie) of Michigan, granddaughter, Stefanie (Nick) Johnson of NC and four great-grandchildren: Finn, Brooks, Lane, and Isla.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Alva and Anna Fournier (both parents passing away when Ruth was only in her twenties) and by her two sisters, older sister Janet (Ken) Perkins of New Port Richey, FL and middle sister Helen (Zigmont) Buganski of Wallingford, CT. Ruth was the youngest of three children.

Ruth was known by all who loved her as Ruthie. She graduated from Lyman Hall High School in 1947. Upon graduating from high school, she attended St. Mary's Hospital for Children in New York City in 1949. While working as a baby nurse, she met and fell in love with a man from her hometown of Wallingford, John Albert Hultgren, who would be the love of her life! After one year of dating, John and Ruth married in November of 1952. Ruthie and Johnny were happily married for over 70 Years. John worked as a lineman for the Town of Wallingford's Electric Company for 31 years and Ruthie had her own business from her home as a dog groomer (mostly poodles). She also bred and sold poodles, always keeping one poodle from the litter for the family. Ruthie loved animals of all kinds and her home was always filled with lots of animals and love.

While Ruthie and her husband, Johnny, raised their two children, they enjoyed their summers at their cabin on the majestic Bashan Lake in East Haddam, CT. Johnny and his good friend, Dick Hoffman, built the cabin in 1958. They enjoyed their rustic cabin on the lake for over 55 years. It is there on Bashan Lake where Ruthie and her family experienced many of their fondest memories.

Ruthie retired with her husband to Surfside Beach, SC in 1992 when she was 64 years old. It was in SC where they enjoyed their remaining years together with many friends and family. She was blessed with the very best of neighbors. Ruthie especially enjoyed her luncheons with the Red Hat Club. She also enjoyed playing cards with the neighborhood group of friends. Ruthie enjoyed a full and enriching retirement for over 30 years. Together, she and her husband traveled back and forth each year, for twenty-one years, from their home in SC to their summer cabin on the lake in CT. They also enjoyed taking summer trips up to visit family in Maine, New Hampshire and Martha's Vineyard.

Ruthie was a loving wife, mother, daughter, and sister. She will be remembered most for her laid back and easy-going good nature. She had a natural contentment and a positive disposition. She always looked at the glass as half full and she never took herself too seriously! She Loved animals and was an excellent cook! She loved playing all board games, scrabble, and playing cards! Most of all, Ruthie enjoyed spending time at home with her best friend and husband, Johnny, watching on TV football, baseball, and golf. She Loved watching the shows "Survivor" and "Dancing with The Stars." She especially loved watching "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy" every night!

Ruthie's favorite movie was "An Affair to Remember," the 1957 classic with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. She loved reading romance books and was an avid reader of all books and magazines. She never missed a morning of doing her crossword puzzle in the daily paper. Ruthie loved life and was a very content person. She remained young at heart until her final days and her laugh will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her!

A funeral will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, August 25, 2023 at B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 South Elm Street, Wallingford. Burial will follow at the In Memoriam Cemetery in Wallingford. Donations may be sent to the ASPCA or other charity of your choice.

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