Ruth E. Pontier

October 7, 1931—December 12, 2024

Well loved, she was the” life of the party”, an unmitigated optimist, warm, caring, giving, concerned, as well as an extrovert beyond measure. Words only begin to capture the essence of Ruth Pontier.

Born to Armenian Parents (Richard and Victoria Bozian) in Englewood, NJ, Ruth lived in many NJ locations with a brief stint in NY State during her long life. She was a “Jersey Girl” to the core, especially with her love of the “shore” and all things Long Beach Island.

She married the love of her life, The Reverend John (Jack) Pontier in 1952 who pre-deceased her in 1994. Through their shared deep Christian faith, they jointly served several congregations prior to Jack’s retirement from Pinelands Reformed Church in Toms River, NJ. They retired to Leisure Knoll in Manchester, NJ.

Out of her strong faith, deep need to serve the needs of others, and her high energy, Ruth made volunteerism a key value during her life. She has been a deacon, chairperson for her Evening Circle, Education, Fellowship, and Memorial Garden committees, in addition to being a choir member for 30 years. In her later years she volunteered at Van Dyke Hospice, Habitat for Humanity Restore and Caregivers as well as numerous committees at her Seabrook Village community.

Ruth put her family first. She relished all gatherings of any type and prided herself on remembering every birthday or date of significance. She always asked “a million” questions to express her interest and rarely talked about herself. She felt honored to be called “G” by her (now adult) grandchildren and her beloved title of “GG” to her great grandchildren. She was very proud of the entire family and was known to write beautiful notes and “thank- you’s” to remind everyone of her love and pride. She was the mother and grandmother everyone wished they had.

Ruth leaves behind a loving family. Son Scott (Meral) of Keyport, NJ, Daughter Karen Norton of Delray Beach, Fl and Donna Kymer of Sebastian Fl. Grandchildren include Ryan, Tyler and Luke Pontier, Lauren and Megan (deceased) Gray, Justin Meininger, Katie Homza, Emily Martin and Jake and Aubree Kymer. Great grandchildren include Anna, Lillian, Teagan, Mariyah, Wesley, Madilyn, Asher, Oliver and Cora

Ruth demonstrated a life well lived. For 93 years she was fully engaged and touched the lives of all of those with whom she came into contact. She will be profoundly missed.

Please join the family in a “Celebration of Life” to be held at Seabrook Village on Sunday, January 19 from 3:30-5:30 Drop in to share a memory and have an informal time together to toast the life of Ruth Pontier. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any of the above organizations.