Ruth E. Hentz

Ruth E. Hentz, 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, at RWJUH-Somerville. 

Born in Shenandoah, PA, Ruth was the daughter of the late Joseph and Edna Paulbinsky. She lived in Raritan before settling in Bridgewater in 1962, where she remained a beloved member of the community for decades.

In her early career, Ruth served as the Director of Loans and Mortgages at Raritan State Bank. She later found her calling in education, working as the librarian at J.F. Kennedy School, where she retired in the early 1990s. To celebrate her retirement, her son Joel gifted her a memorable trip to Hawaii—one of many travels she cherished.

Ruth was a devoted communicant of Holy Trinity Church in Bridgewater and an active member of its Altar Rosary Society. She also served as past president and long-time member of the Bridgewater Senior Citizens, where she organized numerous trips and led the travel club. In addition, she was involved with the Branchburg Senior Citizens. Ruth had a vibrant spirit and a wide range of interests: she enjoyed shopping, reading, traveling, feeding birds, and long conversations on the phone. She especially loved her annual trips to Florida with close friends.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Leo C. Hentz, in 2002, and her beloved brother, Albert R. Paulbinsky in 2018.

Ruth leaves behind her cherished son, Joel Hentz, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and close friends whose lives she touched deeply.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 E. Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Prayers will be said at 9:00 AM on Thursday, May 29, at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 AM Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Bridgewater.

Additional viewing hours will take place at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin Street, Shenandoah, PA 17976. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in West Mahanoy Township, PA.

Ruth will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and community.

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