Ruth Klein

Ruth Klein, 76, of Albuquerque, passed away on August 27, 2025. Born in Dayton, Ohio in 1949, to Gladys and Edgar Estridge, she was the seventh of eight children. With a background in ballet, she first found work as a teen fashion model, and soon embarked on a journey that took her to New York City and then abroad, where she met her husband of 51 years, Harris Klein, amid the idealistic surroundings of the Kibbutz Shamir.

In his letters home, Harris wrote about her beautiful green eyes and infectious spirit. Ruth and Harris would retell the story of seeing each other across a crowded room and instantly falling in love.

They were married in Nogales, Arizona--in a vibrant celebration, surrounded by family, friends, and mariachis--before moving to Harris' home state of New Mexico. The family moved several times, from places like Corrales to Illinois to Shaker Heights, Ohio (a place she had such deep affection for it inspired the name of the email address she used for her entire life), though they returned to New Mexico in 2010.

As a fiercely loving mother and fastidious homemaker, she never lost track of her passions, which evolved over time to encompass interests in antiquity, astrology, genealogy, spirituality, and the cosmos. She was a perceptive thinker, mindful of her place in the flow of history, and proud of her heritage, which she traced from Tudor castles in England to the tidewaters of Powhatan-era Virginia to the battlefields of the American Revolution.

As a Regent in the Charles Dibrell and Lew Wallace Chapters (of Albuquerque), and Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter (of Libertyville, IL) of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she was enthusiastic about her volunteer work with veterans, leading clothing and amenities drives, as well as participating in the naturalization ceremonies to welcome new citizens. Other volunteer work included preschool education at B'nai Israel and delivering puppies to the infirm in Northeast Ohio.

With striking black hair, sparkling green eyes, and a full-faced smile, she always made a statement when she walked into a room. She was known for her unique, uncompromising, and meticulous personal aesthetic, which evolved over the decades: in the '60s, it was a post-Twiggy, girl group chic; in the '70s, a Cher-adjacent peace-and-love elegance; in the '80s, wild curls and stylish sweaters; in the '90s, a Stevie Nicks/Southwestern-inspired sophistication; the '00s and beyond, an ethereal, flowing desert style. The decades were tied together by a remarkable, strong will: always, unapologetically, herself.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Harris; their son, Adam (and wife Michelle, and their children Averie and Elliot--to whom Ruth was affectionately known as "Nana"); daughter, Rachel (and husband Sean), and her sister, Susie. 

Donations may be sent to dar.org, an organization to which she devoted many years.