Longtime Claremont resident, volunteer, was 106 years old
Ruth Elizabeth Pitt, a resident of Claremont since 1967, died peacefully at home on June 5 at the age of 106.

Ruth is survived by her dear godson Bernie (Tim) Weeder of Port Sanilac, Michigan; her devoted niece Gayle (Tony) Papa, of Claremont; loving relatives Mrs. Muriel Tyner, Liz (Jack) Wong, and Becky (Mike) Weyent, all of Whittier, Tom (Wendy) Tyner of Bainbridge, Washington, and David (Kathy) Tyner of Fairfield, California; and a host of other beloved cousins, great nieces and friends.

She was born in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York on May 21, 1915, to William F. Cedergren and Elizabeth (nee Tyner) Fritschmann.

She was educated at Northfield Mount Hermon School, in Gill, Massachusetts, and graduated in 1934 from San Diego High School. In 1935 she worked as a clerk for National Geographic Magazine in Washington D.C., where a co-worker introduced her to Bernard Picking Pitt, a young army man who later became an attorney for the United States government.

On August 14, 1935 she married Bernard “Bernie” Pitt in Washington, D.C. Bernie preceded her in death on September 14, 1966 while working in Japan. She is also preceded in death by her brothers George Fritschmann and Kenneth Cedergren.

In 1951 she earned an associate of arts degree from Los Angeles Community College. While still married she lived in Korea and the Philippines, where her interest in Asian art and culture was sparked. In 1959 the couple became godparents to young Bernie, the namesake of her husband, who was a son born to his coworker in the Philippines. She later generously sponsored young Bernie to attend college in the United States. She worked at Pendleton Business Office at the Claremont Colleges for many years, retiring in 1988.

She enjoyed gardening, hiking, swimming, music and travel. She was a founding member of community volunteer organization Active Claremont, a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, a member of California Botanic Garden, a member of the Rembrandt Club, and active in the La Verne Trail Trekkers, having joined the group at 80 years of age.

She was an intelligent, independent and determined woman who believed moderation, along with dark chocolate and sweet wine, was the key to a long, happy life.

Appreciation is extended to Ruth’s dedicated caregivers from Americare Services of Bellflower, and to Trinity Hospice of Upland.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29 in Hillside Chapel (Gate 17) at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.