Ruth Eleanor Astuno

Ruth Eleanor Astuno passed away August 14, 2014 after a very, very short bout with leukemia. She was born on April 6, 1925 in Denver to the late William and Nina Argall. She is survived by her husband John of 65 years; sons John Jr. (Barb) Astuno and James (Joan) Astuno; grandchildren Adrianne (Chris), Andrew, James Jr. (Lauren), Allison and Mary Christine; three great-grandchildren Adelaide Hott, Lilianna Ruth Astuno, Carsten Hott; sister Anne (Bob) Johns; brother-in-law Rocco (Vi) Astuno. After graduating from South High School in 1943 she assisted in the war effort by working in a factory building B-17 and B-24 planes. Ruth received an academic scholarship to the University of Denver and graduated Phi Beta Kappa while majoring in science. She also graduated from Children's Hospital School of Nursing and later earned a Master's degree in education of disabled children. At Children's Hospital she was the charge nurse, working in the contagious diseases ward and worked with many polio patients who were in iron lungs. The Denver schools requested that she become a teacher so she would be able to teach children who were hospitalized. She taught many children in many hospitals. Ruth was also a founder of the Homebound Teaching Program where she taught children who were too ill to attend school. Finally, she was requested to join the faculty at Boettcher where she taught until she retired in 1987. She enjoyed travelling with John and they visited all 50 states as well as taking numerous trips around the globe. And while she traveled wildly, she was never more at home than when she was with her family. They frequently visited Europe and all parts of the world. They enjoyed many cruises and on their 50th anniversary, they cruised around the world. Also together, they spent many winters in Arizona, Florida and the Hawaiian Islands. Ruth enjoyed her daily walks, daily swimming and being with her many, many friends at her athletic club. She enjoyed visiting with her grandchildren, reading, writing and studying many subjects, especially science. She liked listening to classical music and opera with her husband. A Celebration of Ruth's Life will be held 10 AM, on Saturday, August 23 at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 S. Colorado Blvd. She will rest in peace at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Please visit the Guestbook link below to share a memory of Ruth with the family. She was a loving person, and led a beautiful life with compassion for everyone. Ruth offered a helping hand to those in need.