Ruthann Bloom, Indianapolis, Ind., a former longtime Stevens
Point resident and retired teacher, died Saturday, May 7, 2016, at the Comfort
Wing (Hospice Care) of Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind.

Those who wish to make a donation in her memory may send a
contribution to: Seniors in Place, c/o Ms. Janet Stillerman, 1015 Fairway
Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46260.

Mrs. Bloom was married to Melvin Bloom 66 years ago.

They lived in Stevens Point from 1966 to 2003.

She was active socially in environmental groups, square
dance and ballroom dancing clubs. She aided migrant families who worked
seasonally in the area.

Professionally she was an elementary school teacher in their
early years in Stevens Point, but she mainly taught learning disabled students
at Pittsville High School for many years.

She worked with local peace education groups to bring
Russian visitors to the area as part of a Sister City program, during the
height of the Soviet/U.S. nuclear war threat. She was an avid bird watcher and participated
in the annual Audubon Society Bird Count.

Following their move to Indianapolis to be closer to their
daughters and their families, she became active in promoting the activity of senior
citizens by creating programs and clubs for them to participate in. She helped
to found and develop Seniors in Place, an organization that provided the
framework in which she could create clubs and cultural programs, thereby
encouraging the elderly to participate and live meaningful lives.

After the move to Indiana, she and her
husband returned periodically to the central Wisconsin area, visiting old
friends and former students.