Ruth James Haas

Ruth James Haas, born in Greer, SC, and a long time resident of Atlanta, died Sunday March 3, 2013, two weeks shy of her 101st birthday. She was predeceased by her husband, Edwin R. Haas Jr., an Atlanta native and founding family of Haas and Dodd Realty and Insurance Co. After graduating from Spartanburg General Hospital's Nursing School, Ruth was a private duty nurse for 8 years, and then enlisted in the Navy in 1943 where she served in various ports along the east coast. Upon her marriage to Edwin on Dec. 7, 1945, she began her lifelong commitment to her family and Atlanta as wife, homemaker, and never ending volunteer. On the night of Atlanta's historic Winecoff Hotel fire, the Red Cross called Ruth to work in Grady Hospital’s morgue. She continued her community service with the Child Service Adoption Agency and then as a Scottish Rite recovery room volunteer until age 93. Most importantly, Ruth was always there for her children--always--and was given the honor of being the "mayor" of Dale Drive, their fabulous childhood neighborhood. She delighted in watching her son light up as he talked about his daughters and grandchildren and loved every Haitian child her daughter hosted. Ruth was the oldest of 9 children and as matriarch sponsored regular memory filled outings with her 5 sisters, 3 brothers and their children. Never ending laughs were had by all. In addition to her husband Mrs. Haas was preceded in death by her son, Randy Haas and is survived by her son, Ed Haas, III (Sandy); daughter, Sally Haas; grandchildren, Sarah Keller, Allison Cawood; great grandchildren, Caroline Keller, Harrison Keller; sisters, Doris McClure, Mary Pepple, Evelyn Bullock, Louise Amo ; brother, Carroll James; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to MBL-Haiti, 44 Ridgemere Trace, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 11 o’clock with a reception to follow at Peachtree Christian Church with Dr. Barry McCarty officiating.