Ruth R. Kalatucka of Mystic died Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at Apple Rehab Mystic. She was born in New Haven, the only child of Tom and Ruth (Scofield) Rider. In her early years, she travelled with her parents who were theatrical singers and dancers.
She married Joseph Kalatucka, Lt. Cdr. USNR in Washington DC. He predeceased her in 1969.
Ruth lived for many years in Delaware County and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where she was active in music and theatre. She was a soprano soloist with the Delaware Valley Philharmonic and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Choir, performing many cantata, oratorios, and choral works. As a performer and later as a director, she worked for Neshaminy Valley Music Theatre, Mercer Music Theatre, Studio “Y” Players, Huntington Valley Dinner Theatre, Theatre-in-the-Park, Valley Forge Music Theatre, Westbury Music Fair and was Resident Artistic Director at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA.
She was employed at the Livengrin Foundation in Bucks County and served in various positions as Intake, Detox, and Primary Care Counselors. Before moving to Mystic, she was DUI Coordinator for Bucks County, acting as liason between the courts and alcohol and drug education and rehabilitation.
Locally, she was active with the Stonington Players and other theatre groups and received several O’Neill awards for producing and directing.
She was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Mystic.
Ruth is survived by a daughter, Constance Steffes and her husband James of Groton and two sons, Ralph of Reseda, CA, and Stephen and his wife Elaine of Hammonton, NJ. She is also survived by her three grandsons, James Steffes, his wife Juliana and their son James Paul of Ledyard, Gregory Steffes and his wife Molly of Boston, MA, and John Kalatucka of Hammonton, NJ.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her eldest son, Joel, who died in service with the United States Army.
Ruth’s family would like to thank Fr. Adam Thomas and the parish family of St. Marks for their prayers and continuous visits; Brian Henry and the Visiting of the Sick Ministry of St. Patrick Church for their continuous visits and prayers; the staff of Apple Rehab for their care, love and support; Mystic River Homes for her care while she was a resident; and Hospice of Southeastern CT. Donations in her memory may be made to any of the above.
Funeral Services and burial will be private for the family.
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