Ruth Evelin Kyle, nee Landis

It is with great sadness and much difficulty that I must announce to the world of Science Fiction the passing of my Aunt Ruthie. She slipped away in her sleep today, during the night. Yesterday [Jan. 4] was her 81st birthday. To tell you I have so many fond memories of her as I was growing up is a huge understatement. She and my Uncle David used to fly me from Newark, New Jersey, to Potsdam, New York, on Mohawk Airlines, then Allegheny, then US Air, to live with them during the summer months of school recess. A lot of my childhood and formative years were spent reading Sci Fi books in bed at night. The cool evening winds of the North Country breezed lightly through my open window. Aunt Ruthie and Uncle David had a veritable library that overflowed the myriad shelves of books in many of the rooms of their spacious and well appointed home. As a young man, my mind was filled with fantastic fantasies that sprang to life with each passing page. It was time spent there that my fascination with the genre blossomed. My uncle is 91-years-old now, soon to be 92, and retired from writing, but they were equally instrumental in helping develop my keen imagination and avid interest in writing. It was not unusual to have dinner guests like Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov. Back then, they were just ordinary people to me. 

Aunt Ruthie was an exceptional cook, too. Every meal was a gourmet adventure through Europe; England, Spain, Italy and beyond. As a matter of fact, they lived in England for several years, on the Thames River. It was a perfect place for an author to write. 

I talked to Kerry, AC and Uncle David today. I’ll tell you, it wasn’t easy. God knows how much I love my aunt. My cousins, AC and Kerry, have lost their mother. Today, she belongs to God and the stars - the stars I used to visit every night in my own vivid space odysseys in upstate New York and beyond. The sci fi world has lost one of their most cherished fans.

God Bless You, Aunt Ruthie. Thank you.

 The family is requesting that small donations may be made in her name to her beloved church of 50 years:

Trinity Church

8 Maple Street, Potsdam, NY  13676-1181

www.trinitychurchpotsdam.org

†

Ruth Kyle Memorial Site

David Kyle, Sci-Fi Writer

 

Ruth Kyle and David A. Kyle at Millennium Philcon (2001)

Comments

[Frankie]

Dave,
Sorry to hear about your aunt Ruth. My condolences to you and your family.
Your plate must be full with your mother and father both ill at the same time. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take care of yourself too. Hugs to you.

I've been driving my mother to church on Sundays because my father was either too sick or in the hospital. Now, she's too sick to go. I think the loss of her sister may have weakened her a bit and her system became more vulnerable to outside bugs. The loss of my aunt was not good news. Thank you, Frankie, for your thoughts, prayers and hugs. They help.

[cinta]

So sorry for your loss Dave , i imagine she was a fantastic lady, and immensely proud of you, i dont get a chance to get here as often as id like but i look forward to your posts all week, again so sorry and i hope your memories will live forever :) take care.. cinta x

Oh, she was a fantastic lady, alright. I know she was proud of my writing because we talked about it. She, most of all, could see a future in writing for me, and she proffered ideas on how I could succeed. Yes, she certainly encouraged me and now, it really does inspire me to continue.

Thank you, cinta, I should have a new post up sometime soon.

[Alaska]

My condolences to you & family. Keeping y'all in my prayers Dave. Miss ya!!

p.s.changed name to Alaska because that's where I live. I used allisaw_T, last time I commented on your blog.

Thank you, Alaska. I appreciate your prayers. Very much so.

Your new name reminds me of a geography test I used to give children. First of all, when I mentioned "geography" and "test" in the same sentence, they frowned. No kid wants to take a test out of school...

"If Virginia wore a New Jersey, what did Delaware?"

"Huh?" They either didn't understand it or had no idea what the answer would be. I'd ask them again, then pause.

"If Virginia wore a New Jersey, what did Delaware? ... I don't know, Alaska."

Kind of corny, but they always laughed. Laughter is the best medicine.

[Sempre Invictus]

Dave - I'm so sorry to hear about your Aunt Ruthie. I know this must be a very difficult time for you, but a lifetime of memories is something that will remain, even with her passing. Your tribute to her is a wonderful testament to the influence she had not only on you, but the lives of many others as well. The closeness of your family, and commitment to one another is something we should all strive to achieve.

I hope good health returns to both of your parents in the very near future. The winter months are very hard on the aging. They are very fortunate to have you. Take care of yourself my friend, and know that you and your family are in my prayers. ~ Vicky

Hi, Vicky. Yes, it's been a rough go the past few days, but I'm doing OK. The initial shock has worn off and it's time to face reality.

Your words are very soothing and comforting. It's nice of you to come in and offer your kindness. Thank you for that. It's nice of everyone to do so and show how much they care.

Slowly, I'm seeing my parents energy pick up, but to say these have been trying times is a bit of an understatement. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. This week, I will be back to writing.

[Sandy Banks]

It is always a loss when someone who was as wonderful as your "Aunt Ruth" was for you is no longer in our lives, but my belief system is structured to incorporate these special folks into a heaven where I will be reunited and be able to re-enjoy them and vice-versa. I hope this is so for you, too, and for all those people who care that she has passed on. My condolences to you and the rest of her family and friends.

I believe we shall meet again, Sandy, and until we do, I will never forget my aunt and how much influence she had over my life. Thank you for offering your condolences. No doubt she had lots of friends and family that loved her. Still do, because the love never dies.

[COL]

Dear Dave,

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy of the passing of your cherished Aunt. The pain you are now having to endure is a testament to the value of love shared during a life well lived. Dedicate your future journalistic efforts to the spirit she instilled.

You and your entire family are in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Carol

I will dedicate my writing to my aunt, in her memory. I know she enjoyed my articles and kept encouraging me to keep at it. I will.

Thank you, Carol, for keeping us in your prayers. Aunt Ruthie had a great ride, and she wants all of us to carry on our own quests. We will.

[simba]

Dear Dave,
You sound so much as my life was - taking care of my parents. It was delightful to have them around. But, as time went on things just happened. Still grieving over Mom passing almost two years at the end of the month - horrible discovery - found her lifeleless in the hallway, still haunts me. Horrible images keep lingering. So, I can feel for you, totally. Enjoy what is here and today! Thanks so much for your response, despite the heartache you are feeling. Take care.

You know, simba, I dread the day when my parents are gone. I know it will happen, but I keep denying it. It is my role to keep safe from harm and I'm glad to be in a position to do that.

I'm so sorry you found your mother that way. I know how much it would haunt me, too, and I hope I never have to confront something like that. You have my sympathy as well. I remember after John Lennon was shot down, Yoko Ono asked the public to celebrate his life by just remembering his birthday, not the day he died. I know it's difficult, but I will do my best to celebrate my aunt's life. Thank you once again, simba. No matter what the circumstances, a loss is still a loss, but if they could come back for a fleeting moment, they would tell us to move on with our lives.

[simba]

So right Dave! You are such a beautiful and respected person and we all love you for your sincere responses to us all. Thanks, as always. Look forward to your next blog. You, take care of yourself, along with your Mom and Dad. May Aunti Ruthie rest in peace. My love and prayers go out to you and your family, always.

Thank you, simba. It is, after all, what we are here for - to be here for others. My love and prayers go out to you, as well.

[Weezie]

Dave; I'm sure you are hurting with the big loss of our Auntie. I know it must seem full circle, and that life must fulfil it all the way through. There is nothing wrong with feeling sad but also grateful and full of love for a person who shared so much with her nephew. These are special relationships, unlike grandparents, parents etc. They have a life of their own. I just picture you, reading well into the night, now realizing you were in the midst of family genuis's. It is sad that your uncle must now spend the rest of his days with her, but I am sure there is enough memories to keep him very busy, as he ponders their life that was so rich.

I'm sorry Dave. Weezie

[Carmen]

Hi Dave. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Aunt Ruth. It's never easy losing someone you love, even if it's inevitable. Someone sent this poem to me when someone I love very much passed away and I want to share it with you as it gave me great comfort and I hope it has the same affect on you too. God bless!

Death is an end only to
earthly pain and strife.
The soul lives on forever.
In death we return
to our home,
a world of peace,
a beautiful paradise,
a place of endless
comfort and joy
where we're rejoined with
the Father in heaven.
Death is not an end.
It's a beginning of a
new and beautiful existence.

[cassidy]

Dear Dave,
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your Aunt. From reading your comments about her, she must have been a truly exceptional woman. while it doesn't make it easier on those left behind, it appears she lived a good, fullfilled life. May she rest peacefully and I hope you find solace in the memories you have. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

[Mrs. Clark]

Hi Dave, very sorry to learn about your Aunt. She made the world a better place. Condolences. 81 doesn't seem all that old these days...she had a lovely smile. :)

[lulu]

Dave,
I'm very sorry to hear about your aunt.

I seem to be able to post again but only in tiny print. Hi everyone!