Ruth Munkoff, 88, artist, decorator

Ruth Loyce Munkhoff of Ballard Green, a Ridgefielder for many years, died Friday, June 3, 2005. She was 88 years old and widow of Edward W. Munkoff, who died in 1982.

A native of Merrillville, Ind., Mrs. Munkoff was born on June 29, 1916, daughter of Lydia and George Loyce. She grew up in Merrillville and attended art school to pursue her love of painting.

She married Edward Munkhoff of Des Moines, Iowa, in 1935 and they remained in the Midwest till the start of World War II when assignments took Mr. Munkhoff, who was an Army major, from Georgia to New York, inspecting troop training camps.

In 1943, his post as commandant of the ROTC unit at St. John’s University brought the couple to Baldwin, Long Island. With a young family and a desire to have vegetable gardens and pastures for horses and cows, Mrs. Monkhoff looked around New England for a new home, and discovered Ridgefield and a farm on Wooster Street, where they moved in 1952.

Mrs. Monkhoff used her keen eye for color to help many homeowners choose paint and wallpaper at the family’s business, Monkhoff Paint and Power Shop, which was located for many years on Catoonah Street.

She was also a professional interior decorator and antiques restorer.

Mrs. Monkhoff was active in girl scouting and was also an artist who painted in oils.

She is survived by two daughters, Karen Conklin of Rhode Island, and Linda Harrison of Connecticut; a son, Gary Munkhoff of Oregon; a sister, Audrey Szatyari of Florida; a niece, Susan Sewall of North Carolina, formerly of Ridgefield; and a nephew, Ed Graham of Redding; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. A brother, Heber Loyce, died before her.

“Her family of five generations kept her active and involved,” the family said. “They will forever miss her wisdom and experiences.”

Private services will be at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in Mrs. Munkhoff’s memory may be made to the Ridgefield Ambulance Fund, c/o Ridgefield Fire Department, 6 Catoonah Street, or to Meals on Wheels, 25 Gilbert Street, Ridgefield CT 06877.