Obituary of Ruth V. Baum

Olean – Ruth V. Baum Ruth V. Baum, formerly of Eden Heights, passed away on February 23, 2021 at the Salamanca Nursing and Rehab Facility after a brief illness. She had just celebrated her 98th birthday two weeks earlier. Ruth was the daughter of Doris and Otto Dornhoefer. She was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, graduating from Roosevelt High School and a local secretarial college. Ruth worked as a secretary at Continental Can Co. until she moved to Olean after she married Albert H. Baum in 1944. Ruth was an avid bridge player, rarely missing local duplicate games put on by the Olean and Salamanca Bridge Clubs; she earned and maintained a Life Master ranking for many years, and was a certified director for the American Contract Bridge League. For over 20 years, she also taught beginner and intermediate bridge courses. In addition, she greatly enjoyed golfing, and was very active in the Ladies’ Golf Association at Bartlett Country Club, where she was a member for 55 years and was also honored with a Life Membership. She continued to occasionally play a few holes even in her mid-90s. Ruth was a big baseball fan, typically rooting for the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals. During the baseball season, it was rare to walk into her house and not find a game on the television. Ruth joined the First Presbyterian Church shortly after arriving in Olean. Through the church, she and her husband met other couples with whom they formed friendships that lasted for decades. After the massive fire that destroyed much of the church in 1978, Albert and Ruth worked tirelessly along with other members of the congregation to aid in its restoration. Ruth is survived by her son, A. Stephen (Nancy) Baum, two grandsons, James (Lindsey) Rogness, Eric (Crystal) Rogness, a granddaughter, Christine Baum, and 3 great-grandchildren. Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 44 years in 1989, as well as her sister Esther Dornhoefer and her daughter Holly Rogness. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Contributions in Ruth’s memory can be made to the Olean First Presbyterian Church, 212 Laurens Street, Olean, New York 14760. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 East State Street, Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com