Funeral Details

Ruthe Sacks, born in Chicago to Celia (Kosikov) and Aaron Goldstein, led a self-proclaimed magical life. She was 99 when she passed away.

As a very young girl, she won dance lessons and became a darling of the stage, performing under the name, “Baby Ruth.” She loved the applause and attention of the audience. While she stopped performing at age 12, she never stopped capturing the attention of an audience, big or small.

As Ruthe left the stage, she became very active in other activities, including giving elocution lessons and participating in Young Judaea, where she met her soon to be husband, Benjamin J. Sacks. They married in1942 and were married for 54 years before Ben’s passing in 1996. Together they had two daughters, Judy Grossbard (deceased) and Carole Diller.

Ruthe was grandmother to Becca Ramati (Alex), Rachel Kleban (Warren), Jeremy Grossbard, (Adrienne Wolff Grossbard), and Jessica Grossbard. She was a proud great grandmother to Jake and Allie Ramati and Dillon Kleban, who called her “Great.”

She had an active life and a servant's heart. She was the first woman President of Congregation B’nai Zion, served several terms as the President of her condo association at Winston Towers 3 and was a program leader for JCC “Golden Agers.” She gave book reviews and programs to local organizations about Jews in mystery fiction with her daughter, Judy. 

Ruthe was a dynamic and kind person and a great entertainer known for having a “the more the merrier” outlook on holiday meals. Her fruit bowls and candy dishes were at the ready and coffee was always offered to her guests. She knew how to shop, had a great manicure, and made the best grilled cheese sandwiches. 

In her 90s, Ruth wrote her autobiography, aptly titled, “The Story of My Magical Life.” It was filled with her famous quotes, or Ruthe-isms. Even if she didn’t agree with you, she’d try to understand or at least see your point of view. As she often said, “that’s why they make chocolate, vanilla and 31 other flavors.” 

Thanks to Abida Rajput and Laura Uriostegui for their loving care. Graveside service Sunday, 12 noon at Westlawn Cemetery (Section B), 7801 W. Montrose, Norridge, IL 60706.

Donations to The Council for the Jewish Elderly (www.cje.net/) or Temple Beth Israel Preschool (www.tbieugene.org/preschool/). To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.